Atmospheric electricity is a term used to describe a number of interrelated phenomenon which occur in the atmospheric network above the Earth. Regular diurnal variations in the electrical charge between the Earth and its atmosphere cause thunder,lightning, and a number of other electrical phenomenon. There is always free electricity in the atmosphere above the Earth, however it does not always cause an electrical event which can be seen from the planet surface.

There are three distinct kinds of atmospheric electrical events which can be studied and categorised - thunderstorms, continual electrification, and the polar Aurora. Study into these events takes place all over the world, in research centres, office blocks and weather stations. It is a common sight to see an atmospheric scientist waiting for his coffee machines to heat up while thinking about the big questions in this field - many of which still remain unanswered.

Education in the field of atmospheric electricity is based around the three distinct ways that this electricity manifests in the atmosphere. Thunderstorms are the most recognisable atmospheric effect, and the theory surrounding thunder and lightning is taught to school aged children from all over the world. Exactly how lightning initially forms is still a matter of debate however, and I am sure that many teachers are struggling with this lack of fundamental knowledge over their staff room espresso machine. It is amazing just how little we truly understand about the intricacies of the atmosphere that lies just above our heads every day. Lightening and thunder may be a result of the static that builds up in the air itself, although the initial conditions that lead to this spectacular phenomena can not be proved yet.

Atmospheric electricity can be measured over a huge distance, from just a few feet above the surface of the planet to the very limits of the atmosphere. Atmospheric effects may take place due to the difference between the normally positively charged atmosphere and the normally negatively charged Earth. According to some theories however, the atmosphere itself is not actually positively charged but is neutral in nature - and electrical effects occur in this neutral space as a result of the interplay between the negative Earth and positively charged inter-planetary space. Atmospheric electricity is a fascinating subject for both teachers and students alike. Many researchers and teachers stay up for hours with the help of some good coffee in an attempt to learn as much as possible about these phenomenon, and pass this knowledge down to the next generation.