I repaired or replaced millions of dollars worth of equipment damaged or destroyed by lightning during my career in broadcast engineering. Now that I’m retired, I really enjoy watching a vivid lightning storm from my porch, particularly while drinking a whole beer.
I was going to try and answer Eddie’s questions, but the linked article answers the first question better than I could. The answer to his second question is, “no.”
Aw, just tell him the angels are bowling! The flashes are their smiles when they get a lucky strike! He’s got enough imagination for a herd of small boys, so, that ought to keep his lil brain happily amused…scientific answers can wait til he’s a lil older.
The Washington Post has a story today about how a few new satellites have documented evidence of massive lightning flashes—the record being 477 miles across the southern US. My reaction was, can you even imagine how many people could be hit at once if they’re outside in that!
McColl34 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Wow! Good questions, Eddie. That’s what you call motivated learning.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Dogzilla is probably wondering the same things.
pschearer Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Too bad Benjamin Franklin didn’t also invent the thunder-rod.
John Wiley Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I repaired or replaced millions of dollars worth of equipment damaged or destroyed by lightning during my career in broadcast engineering. Now that I’m retired, I really enjoy watching a vivid lightning storm from my porch, particularly while drinking a whole beer.
Darwinskeeper almost 3 years ago
I was going to try and answer Eddie’s questions, but the linked article answers the first question better than I could. The answer to his second question is, “no.”
https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-how-does-thunder-work-and-why-is-it-so-loud-110444
LadyPeterW almost 3 years ago
Aw, just tell him the angels are bowling! The flashes are their smiles when they get a lucky strike! He’s got enough imagination for a herd of small boys, so, that ought to keep his lil brain happily amused…scientific answers can wait til he’s a lil older.
david_42 almost 3 years ago
Although I miss thunder storms, one of our mutts gets very nervous when she hears loud noises. The 4th of July, we can plan for and feed her a trank.
Spacetech almost 3 years ago
Thermal Expansion.
PammWhittaker almost 3 years ago
Granny used to tell us it was Dutchmen bowling in heaven
Doctor Toon almost 3 years ago
Physics is phunny like that
cuzinron47 almost 3 years ago
The sound is useful in determining the distance of the lightening. If it’s one or less, stay inside.
daleDC almost 3 years ago
I just LOVE this kids question! This is a genius in the making.
raybarb44 almost 3 years ago
Yes and not sure….
amaryllis2 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
The Washington Post has a story today about how a few new satellites have documented evidence of massive lightning flashes—the record being 477 miles across the southern US. My reaction was, can you even imagine how many people could be hit at once if they’re outside in that!