LightningLightning

Rob SparksPinon PRISE WorkshopJanuar 26th, 2008

Rob SparksPinon PRISE WorkshopJanuar 26th, 2008

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

LightningLightning

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Lightning on Kitt PeakLightning on Kitt Peak

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Lightning can be dangerous

Lightning can be dangerous

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Lightning and Static Electricity

Lightning and Static Electricity

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Buildup of ChargeBuildup of Charge

Still not completely understood

Updrafts carry positive charges to top

Bottom of cloud becomes negatively charged

Still not completely understood

Updrafts carry positive charges to top

Bottom of cloud becomes negatively charged

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Buildup of ChargeBuildup of Charge

Negatively charged cloud induces charge in the ground

Charge builds up until…

Negatively charged cloud induces charge in the ground

Charge builds up until…

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Step LaddersStep Ladders

Air becomes ionized due to large electric field

Air ionizes easier in some directions than others

Pattern called step ladder forms

Air becomes ionized due to large electric field

Air ionizes easier in some directions than others

Pattern called step ladder forms

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

The StrikeThe Strike

Positive “streamers” sent out from the Earth

A streamer meets a step ladder and

Boom! Usually have multiple strikes

Positive “streamers” sent out from the Earth

A streamer meets a step ladder and

Boom! Usually have multiple strikes

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Apollo 12Apollo 12

Apollo 12 was struck by lightning on liftoff

Rocket launches can stimulate lightning!

Great tool for research

Apollo 12 was struck by lightning on liftoff

Rocket launches can stimulate lightning!

Great tool for research

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Lightning on Jupiter!Lightning on Jupiter!

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

By the Numbers…By the Numbers…

Up to 100,000 Amps Power of 100 terawatts Heats air to 18,000 degrees F Average bolt is 1.6 miles long, longest recorded is 190 miles long

Up to 100,000 Amps Power of 100 terawatts Heats air to 18,000 degrees F Average bolt is 1.6 miles long, longest recorded is 190 miles long

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

Lightning in the United States

Lightning in the United States

Pinon PRISE WorkshopJanuary 26th, 2008

A few cool videos!A few cool videos!

http://www.ultimatechase.com/Lightning_Video.htm

http://www.metacafe.com/tags/lightning/

http://www.ultimatechase.com/Lightning_Video.htm

http://www.metacafe.com/tags/lightning/