Installation of Linet sensor at the University of Malta.Installation of Linet sensor at the University of Malta.

The University of Malta has joined a Europe-wide study which is trying to improve the prediction of thunderstorms.

A meteorological station has been placed at the university to monitor lightning strikes and recorded its first measurements last week.

The project forms part of a European lightning network known as Linet. Sensors are being installed across the continent at 200-300km intervals to measure the electromagnetic waves emitted by lightning strikes. Each receiver can also record the strength and polarity of the lightning.

Data from all stations is then transmitted to a central server in Germany where it is processed and archived.

The Malta segment of the study has seen the Physical Oceanography Unit within the Faculty of Science teaming up with a private German research group from the company Nowcast, which is closely associated with the University of Munich.

Meanwhile, in separate projects under the direction of Prof Aldo Drago, the unit has invested in a number of real-time meteo-marine stations around Malta, which are monitored and maintained by staff members Adam Gauci and Martin Galea De Giovanni.

These stations measure wind direction, air pressure and solar radiation, with the data used in local and regional research.

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