Characterization of downward Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory

TL;DR

This paper reports on the characterization of downward Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory, revealing complex source structures and discussing future research directions involving lightning and gamma emission analysis.

Contribution

It presents the first observations of asymmetric azimuthal structures in downward TGFs, indicating complex source geometries and suggesting new research avenues.

Findings

First detection of asymmetric azimuthal TGF structures

Evidence for complex source geometries in TGFs

Potential for combined lightning and gamma emission studies

Abstract

Downward Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) are sub-millisecond bursts of MeV gamma rays produced in thunderclouds. According to the Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanche model, gamma rays are produced, via bremsstrahlung, from electron cascades activated by a relativistic "seed" electron. It is not clear what mechanism is responsible for the acceleration of electrons to relativistic energies in electric discharges. To better understand the acceleration sites and the TGF production mechanisms, it is critically important to identify the TGF source position and geometry in the atmosphere and to study the gamma emission characteristics. The Surface Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory, with its 1600 water-Cherenkov detectors very sensitive to high-energy photons and with a very fine time-sampling, is a valuable instrument to study downward TGFs. The possibility to analyze the radiation emission in detail led to the observation of the first TGFs with an asymmetric azimuthal structure, suggesting a complex source different from the initially hypothesized downward beam. We report on these observations and the new perspectives which may open with the incorporation of new instruments at the Auger site to study lightning development alongside gamma emission, and the increasingly detailed data provided by satellites and global lightning networks.