Technology

At the moment the complete network consists of 75 sensors, contributing to the detection of lightning.

All the lightning data is detected by means of electromagnetic sensors, which send raw data to a central analyzer. The technology involved is provided by Vaisala (Tucson, AZ). Each sensor detects the electromagnetic signal emitted by the lightning return stroke.

This technology uses GPS Satellite signals for time information.

For each lightning stroke the main parameters are recorded, namely the time of event, the impact point (Latitude and longitude), the Current intensity and polarity, and the number of subsequent strokes.

The data of all the sensors througout the network are concentrated in real-time in two Euclid central operational centers. They are computed there immediately to calculate the lightning locations and optimise the data quality. The resulting data are sent in the course of processing to the Euclid service operational center. This leads to a complete picture of lightning activity in real time. All lightning data collected is archived as well for post-storm analysis.