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Lightning occurs commonly during thunderstorms as well as other types of energetic weather systems, but volcanic lightning can also occur during volcanic eruptions. Lightning is an atmospheric electrical phenomenon and contributes to the global atmospheric electrical circuit.
Jul 13, 2024 · lightning, the visible discharge of electricity that occurs when a region of a cloud acquires an excess electrical charge, either positive or negative, that is sufficient to break down the resistance of air. Is ball lightning real? Learn about the mysterious phenomenon of ball lightning. See all videos for this article.
See lightning strikes in real time across the planet. Free access to maps of former thunderstorms. By Blitzortung.org and contributors.
Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds. "Sheet lightning"...
Lightning strikes during thunderstorms kill more Americans each year than either tornadoes... National Geographic explores the science behind lightning strikes.
Oct 19, 2023 · Lightning is an electric charge or current. It can come from the clouds to the ground, from cloud to cloud, or from the ground to a cloud. Lightning is a product of a planet ’s atmosphere. Raindrops very high up in the sky turn to ice.
Jul 11, 2024 · If we are watching the sky, we see the lightning before we hear the thunder. That is because light travels much faster than sound waves. We can estimate the distance of the lightning by counting how many seconds it takes until we hear the thunder. It takes approximately 5 seconds for the sound to travel 1 mile.
Lightning is the occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud. This violent and sudden electrostatic discharge generates a bright flash and thunder. Thunder is the noise that lightning makes when it flashes and heats up the air.
Apr 5, 2023 · The conditions needed to produce lightning have been known for some time. However, exactly how lightning forms has never been verified, so there is room for debate. Leading theories focus around separation of electric charge and generation of an electric field within a thunderstorm.
Apr 12, 2023 · This primer describes the characteristics of lightning and provides information on recent activities in lightning research.
