Great Balls of ZAP!
Deep inside rain clouds an amazing dance is taking place. Strong currents of air in the clouds push water droplets and ice crystals into each another.
ZZZT!
Static electricity is made. The base of the cloud is now full of a negative electrical charge. The earth is positively charged. Since opposites attract, the cloud's negative charge seeks the earth's positive charge and snap...crackle...pop!
The electricity within the cloud is discharged creating a bolt of lightning. Lightning can strike between clouds too.
Thunder and lightning go hand in hand. Why? Thunder is the explosive sound that lightning makes. The energy in a lightning bolt heats the air around it. This causes the air to expand rapidly and explode, creating thunder. We hear thunder moments after the lightning has struck because sound travels at a slower rate than light.
To figure out how far away lightning strikes, count the seconds between the time you see the lightning and when you hear the thunder. Then multiply this number by five. That's the distance in miles between you and the place where the lightning struck.
| Fun Fact: To get the distance in meters, count the seconds and multiply by 340. |
Storm Safety
Statistics report that lightning injures or kills more people than hurricanes or tornadoes. Lightning and thunder can be scary, but they don't have to be dangerous if you follow these safety tips.
IF YOU'RE INDOORS:
If there's thunder or lightning outside, stay inside!
Don't go near large windows or metal doors.
Don't use the phone, or take a bath or a shower.
Ask an adult to unplug your computer, TV, VCR, and other electrical equipment. Sometimes lightning can damage equipment.
IF YOU'RE OUTDOORS:
Try to find shelter. Go indoors if you can.
If there isn't a building nearby, try to get inside a car, bus, or truck for protection.
| FUN FACT: Most people think a car's rubber tires protects them from lightning. Actually, it's the metal surface of the car. |
Tractors, golf carts and other open vehicles are dangerous. Avoid them.
Avoid standing under a tree or on a hill.
Avoid holding or standing near anything made of metal.
Stay out of water and small boats.
If lightning is near, kneel low to the ground with your head tucked in. Don't lie flat on the ground.
Related Books and Websites:
If you'd like to know more about lightning and storm safety, bolt to these books and websites.
Books:
Llamas, Andres Ruiz. Rain, (New York: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 1996).
Taylor, Barbara. Weather and Climate, (New York: Kingfisher Books, 1993).
Websites:
In Huntsville, Alabama, WHNT's Chief Meteorologist, Dan Satterfield, created a wonderful weather page for kids. Check out Dan's Wild Wild Weather Page at:
http://www.whnt19.com/kidwx/
Read some real shocking tales of lightning hits on National Geographic's website at:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/lightning/