Report: Plane crashes near Interstate 5 in Merced County

Terrestrial gamma-ray radiation. No, it’s not the latest incarnation of Captain Kirk’s phaser, even though it does sound like it belongs in prime time on the syfy channel.

If jets pass near lightning discharges or “terrestrial gamma-ray flashes” (TGF’s), aviation passengers can be exposed to radiation equivalent to 40 x rays. The exposure occurs when the plane is close to the lightning discharge’s origin. Scientists are recommending planes carry TGF meters to help them study the phenomenon. They believe TGFs are generated by electric fields above thunderstorms, although the mechanism is unknown, and the likelihood of exposure is low.

Famous last words.

Thank you scientists. More for airline travelers to worry about.