Scientists at the University of California have registered a positron beam originating in the center of the strongest tropical cyclone Patricia. This was the first observation of antimatter that was formed in the atmosphere as a result of the Earth's gamma-ray burst. This is reported by Science Alert.
Hurricane Patricia, which struck Mexico on October 23, 2015, became the most powerful cyclone in the Western Hemisphere on record, killing at least six people. A Hurricane Hunters aircraft belonging to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was sent inside the cyclone to study atmospheric phenomena associated with the storm. On board was an ADELE detector, which allows registering X-rays and gamma rays, as well as the associated positron fluxes.
According to theoretical models, a terrestrial gamma-ray burst occurs when electrons accelerated to ultra-high speeds collide with atomic nuclei, releasing energy. Electrons can be accelerated by powerful electric fields generated by lightning inside strong hurricanes and cyclones. This generates a flow of positrons directed in the opposite direction to the Earth's surface. This phenomenon lasts for several milliseconds, making it difficult to register.
Scientists have recorded a positron flux associated with atmospheric gamma-ray emission at an altitude of 2.5 kilometers. It is estimated that the antimatter particles could reach a height of 1.5 kilometers, which indicates the possibility of their registration using detectors located in the mountains.