Lightning bolts are churning out antimatter all over planet Earth

Lightning is powerful enough to set off nuclear reactions in the atmosphere, a new study found. Japanese researchers report that the powerful electrical discharge produces gamma rays - the most powerful waves or radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum - which react with the air. The reaction produces radioisotopes and even positrons, which are the antimatter counterpart of electrons.

 Lightning bolts are churning out antimatter all over planet Earth -- and powerful enough to set off nuclear reaction