Curious Cases 6. The Shock Factor
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Nov 16, 2024 Dr. Daniel Mitchard, a particle physicist from Cardiff University’s Lightning Lab, dives into the electrifying world of lightning. He discusses the surprising fact that no lightning occurs at the poles and reveals why a car is the safest shelter during storms. Lightning survivor Kerry Evans shares her harrowing experiences, while Professor Karen Aplin explains the discovery of lightning on other planets, like Mars. They uncover whimsical atmospheric phenomena like sprites and pixies, merging science with captivating stories.
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Lightning Explained
- Lightning is a rush of electrons and charged particles that explode the air due to high energy.
- This explosion ionizes the gas, creating light and the sound of thunder.
Lightning Direction
- Lightning doesn't just travel downwards from the sky; it connects about 100 meters above ground.
- There's positive and negative lightning, representing different charge directions.
Lightning Frequency
- Lightning strikes the Earth roughly 3 million times a day.
- Real-time lightning maps exist, showing the constant strikes.