XXVI DAE-BRNS High Energy Physics Symposium 2024

Evolution of a Thunderstorm-Induced Muon Event: Insights from the Ooty Muon Telescope, Electric Field, and Lightning Observations

Not scheduled

20m

Swatantrata Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Oral Astroparticle physics and cosmology Poster

Speaker

Dr Pranaba K Nayak (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research)

Description

The GRAPES-3 tracking muon telescope in Ooty, India, equipped with high angular resolution and statistical precision, records short-term variations in muon intensity during major thunderstorms, termed thunderstorm-induced muon events (TIMEs) [1]. Recent multidisciplinary investigations of TIMEs have examined seasonal variations [2], connections with the global electric circuit [3], climate interactions [4], and long-term patterns observed during Boreal summers [5].
In this study, we extend these analyses to explore the evolution of a thunderstorm-induced muon event recorded on March 20, 2020. We integrate data from the Ooty muon telescope with lightning observations from four electric field mills (EFMs) at Ooty, the Indian Lightning Location Network (ILLN), and cloud-top temperature data from the INSAT-3DR geostationary satellite. The combined spatiotemporal data from cloud-top temperatures, ILLN, and EFM readings, together with the evolution of the TIME, provides a novel cross-disciplinary perspective. This first-of-its-kind analysis will be presented in detail at the symposium.

References:
1. P.K Nayak et al., Observation of thunderstorm-induced muon events in GRAPES-3 experiment, J. Atmos. Sol.–Terr. Phys. 258 (2024) 106231.
2. P.K Nayak et al., Contemplating the observed relationship between the global electric circuit and GRAPES-3 thunderstorm-induced muon events, (ICRC2023) Proc. of Sci. 444 (2023) 404.
3. P.K Nayak et al., Seasonal variation of thuderstorm-induced muon events observed at GRAPES-3, (ICRC2023) Proc. of Sci. 444 (2023) 403.
4. P.K Nayak et al., The Ooty muon telescope reveals what climate did in 2022 summer, Ind. J. Phys. (Published on 17 March 2024). doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12648-024-03145-z.
5. P.K Nayak et al., Long-Term Observations of Thunderstorm-Induced Muon Events at GRAPES-3 Experiment Using the Ooty Tracking Muon Telescope During Boreal Summers (2006–2024), Eighth WMO International Workshop on Monsoons (IWM-8) 17-21 March 2025, IITM Pune (Invited Talk)