Lightning detection#Aviation use

A Stormscope (English about for " thunderstorm indicator ") is a display device used in the aviation industry, which provides pilots during flight information on the current weather conditions.

Operation

Storm Scopes measure the low frequency electromagnetic wave energy emanating from thunderstorms and is known as sferics. In contrast to the weather radar they themselves send out a signal. The measured wave energy produced by heavy vertical air movements in the thundercloud, the cause of winds, rain and hail, and the associated electrical charges and discharges. She is also measurable when the discharges still produce no visible lightning. The wave energy is received, similar to radio compasses on a combination of two antenna types, and calculates the direction angle to the cloud in a similar manner. The distance to the cloud determines the unit by comparing the measurements with the electronic signature of a standard lightning storm. Direction and distance from the aircraft are displayed in a radar -like screen.

However, the underlying computational algorithm is considered to be inaccurate, and the reliability of Storm Scopes total as limited. Therefore, it is recommended that you also obtain current weather information from ground stations that can merge unlike Storm Scopes measurement data from different stations.