In this issue of Weather. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Is Part Of: Weather. Volume 72:Number 2(2017:Feb.)
• Page Start: E1
• Page End: E1
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Meteorology -- Periodicals; Weather -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 551.1
• DOI: 10.1002/wea.2966
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1656

Abstract

Abstract : This Special Issue, guest edited by Keri Nicoll of the Universities of Reading and Bath looks at recent developments lightning detection, an important area in meteorology dating back to the early days of radio. The papers were originally presented at an RMetS National Meeting in March 2016 and cover a wide range of technology that can be used in forecasting over a range of time scales and areas. Lightning affects a large range of customers, from golfers to pilots; environmentalists to firefighters. In the first paper on p. 32, Martin Fullekrug summarises the subject, setting the scene by describing the methods used to detect lightning, which is seen not only on Earth, but also on many of the other planets of our solar system. On p. 36, Ryan Said looks at the development of global systems for the detection of lightning. At present, most operational systems cover only part of the Earth's surface (rarely more than about one‐third of the total), dependent on networks of receivers, but satellite networks and low‐frequency receivers are now making global coverage a reality, albeit with some loss of sensitivity or accuracy. Karen L. Aplin and Georg Fischer turn to lightning on other planets on p. 46. Ever since the first missions to the outer solar system in the 1970s, lightning has been seen on other planets and this paper is an excellent overview of our current knowledge, as well as plans to refine this knowledge. Our fourth paper turns to a new form of lightning detection being tested in the UK. On p. 51, Alec Bennett of Biral describes this new system that has a high degree of accuracy and sensitivity, but over relatively short ranges (100km). Finally, we turn to lightning detection from space, as described by Lorenzo Labrador on p. 54. In November and December 2016, the first two of three satellites destined for geostationary orbit were launched, carrying compatible (but different) lightning‐detection systems that will cover a range of longitude including the Atlantic, East Asia/Australasia/west Pacific and Americas. The third of these satellites will be launched in early 2019, supplementing the established ATD‐net system already providing detailed lightning location over Europe, Africa and further afield.