Close view of the lightning attachment process unveils the streamer zone
fine structure
Abstract
A very close high-speed video observation of lightning attachment to a
building revealed novel details regarding the leader streamer zone
dynamics. Upward leaders propagate in a steady and unbranched manner,
displaying a uniformly luminous corona brush. The exception being the
upward connecting leader (UCL) just before connection, when its streamer
zone increases in size and develops a more filamentary pattern. Downward
negative leaders have 3-m long multiple streamers emanating from each
negative leader tip. In some occasions, plasma formations known as space
stems are seen to form in the location previously occupied by negative
streamers. Space stems have luminosities comparable to the main leader
channel, but are detached from it by 4 m. Some space stems display
streamers of their own, including cases where streamers are emanating
from both ends. The space stem formation hampered the propagation of the
negative leader that was closest to the UCL.