The UHU experiment of HUN-REN EPSS on the ISS

The Hungarian research astronaut will also conduct an Earth observation experiment proposed by our institute as part of his upcoming scientific mission. His task will be to photograph active thunderstorm activity in the Earth’s night hemisphere.

The aim of the experiment is primarily to observe lightning activity and the associated electrical flashes of light above thunderstorm clouds. The expected results will be suitable, among other things, for checking the detection efficiency of ground-based lightning detection networks and for incorporating the electrical activity of thunderstorms in climate research.

The UHU project is implemented within the framework of the HUNOR program in a broad international collaboration. The primary partner of our institute is Dr. Yoav Yair, professor at Reichman University in Israel, who has unique experience in forecasting thunderstorm targets due to his participation in several similar previous missions. In addition, more than 18 institutions from more than 10 countries have indicated their intention to cooperate in the project. Their contribution is realized by performing observations simultaneously with the mission, sharing measurement data, and participating in the processing of the results.

In parallel with the astronaut’s observations, we are also organizing a ground-based camera observation campaign, in which we welcome the participation of both professional and amateur photographers.

Detailed information can be found in the UHU project website:
https://uhu.epss.hu

forrás: forbes.com