Storm hunter infographics

The Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) is a collection of optical cameras, photometers and an X- and gamma-ray detector designed to look for electrical discharges born in stormy weather conditions that extend above thunderstorms into the upper atmosphere. It is installed outside the European Columbus module on the International Space Station. 

ASIM observes a wide variety of phenomena in Earth's upper atmosphere. The inner workings of this magnificent forces of nature are still unknown, but lightning affects the concentration of atmospheric gases that are important for the climate. 

New data will improve our understanding of the effect of thunderstorms on the atmosphere and contribute to more accurate climate models.