Thunderstorms / Lightning Dec 20th

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Mother Nature has the ability to be both destructive and beautiful at the same time. A lightning storm is the perfect example of this. From volcanic eruptions, severe forest fires, surface nuclear detonations, heavy snowstorms, big hurricanes, and, of course, thunderstorms, we can see lightning, one of the most well-known natural phenomena on the planet. It is a massive electrical discharge that occurs in the atmosphere between air, clouds, and the earth. Thunderstorms and lightning are the main topics for today so here we go.

Air functions as an insulator between the positive and negative charges within the clouds, as well as between the cloud and the ground. When the opposite charges build up to a certain point, the air's insulating ability breaks out, resulting in a sudden discharge of electricity known as lightning. The charged regions in the atmosphere are briefly equalized by the flash of lightning until the opposite charges build up again.

Lightning is incredibly hot. A single flash can raise the temperature of the air up to five times the sun's surface. As a result of this heat, the surrounding air expands, vibrates, and produces a pealing thunder we hear just after witnessing a lightning strike. 

It is one of the most common causes of weather-related deaths. In a given year, however, the chances of getting struck by lightning are just about 1 in 500,000. A variety of factors such as geography, season, and occupation can place you at a higher risk of being struck. For example, locations with mountainous terrain generally see more lightning strikes than areas with lower elevations. In the US, Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.

Electric current can significantly affect bodily tissues. It could cause burns due to the conversion of electrical to thermal energy and it can travel through the cardiovascular and nervous system. The most common cause of sudden death after a lightning hit is simultaneous cardiac and respiratory arrest, which is more common with direct strikes. Some people survive strikes but experience long-term effects such as memory loss, dizziness, weakness, numbness, and other life-altering conditions.

Zeus is the god of sky and thunder in ancient Greek mythology. We could say that Zeus is angry at the Maracaibo lake in Venezuela, South America because this area receives the most lightning hits on the planet. Massive thunderstorms strike 140-160 nights every year, averaging 28 lightning strikes per minute and lasting up to 10 hours. In a single night, that's up to 40,000 lightning hits!

A person who loves thunderstorms, lightning, and thunder is called a ceraunophile. The name Ceraun is derived from the Greek word Keraunos, which means thunderbolt. Despite the danger, many amateur and professional photographers enjoy capturing the beauty of lightning strikes. It is a breathtaking sight, perfect for taking shots. Shutter speed, second aperture, and focal length are all important factors to consider when producing a flawless photo of this magnificent creation of Mother Nature.

To protect yourself, it's important to be informed of the weather forecast for thunderstorms so that you can postpone your trip or activity. When the thunder roars, go indoors especially if you are in an open area, seek out a safe, enclosed shelter (homes, offices, malls, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up). However, you’re not automatically protected when you are indoors because lightning can pass through corded phones and electronic equipment of any kind, so be sure to avoid using them.