Ground-based and Space-based Radio Observations of Planetary Lightning
Résumé
We review radio detection of planetary lightning performed by Voyager, Galileo (including in-situ probe measurements), Cassini, and other spacecraft, and compare the information on the underlying physics derived from these observations---especially the discharge duration, at Jupiter and Saturn---with our knowledge of terrestrial lightning. The controversial evidence at Venus is discussed, as well as the prospects for lightning-like discharges in Martian dust-storms (and studies on terrestrial analogues). In addition, lightning sources provide radio beacons that allow us to probe planetary ionospheres. Ground-based observations of Saturn's lightning have been attempted several times in the past and have been recently successful. They will be the subject of observations by the new generation of giant radio arrays. We review past results and future studies, focussing on the detection challenges and on the interest of ground-based radio monitoring, in conjunction with spacecraft observations or in standalone mode.