In the world of lightning, there are two types that people commonly know about: negative and positive. Negative lightning is more common, and it happens when negatively charged electrons move from the thundercloud to positively charged particles on the ground. Positive lightning is less common, but it’s also much more powerful – up to ten times stronger than its negative counterpart.
What makes positive lightning so dangerous is that it doesn’t always follow the usual path that negative lightning does. Instead of striking the tallest object in an area (like a tree or a building), positive lightning can strike out of nowhere, hitting objects at great distances away from where you’d expect them to hit.
Another thing that sets positive lightning apart from other types of lightning is how long it lasts. While most bolts only last for about one-tenth of a second, some positive strikes can go on for several seconds. This prolonged duration means that any damage they cause is likely to be much worse than what would happen with a normal bolt.
So why does positive lightning occur? It has to do with how thunderstorms form in different parts of the world. In places like North America and Europe, storms tend to have positively charged tops and negatively charged bottoms – which explains why negative strikes are more common here. But in other areas (like South America), storms often have negatively charged tops instead – making positive strikes more likely.
Despite being less common than negative strikes, you’ve probably heard some stories about just how destructive these bolts can be. For example:
– In 2010, two men were killed by a single bolt while hiking in Yosemite National Park.
– In 2009, a woman was struck by a positive bolt while walking her dogs in Virginia; she survived but suffered severe burns.
– Back in 1977, a plane flying over New Mexico was struck by three separate bolts within seconds of each other; luckily everyone onboard survived thanks to quick thinking by the pilot.
Positive lightning is also responsible for some of the most impressive natural phenomena that you’ll see during a thunderstorm. For example, sprites and elves are bright bursts of light that occur high up in the atmosphere – sometimes even above the storm clouds themselves. These flashes happen when positive charges from a thundercloud interact with negatively charged particles in the upper atmosphere.
Another cool effect that’s caused by positive strikes is “blue jets.” These are blue-colored bolts of electricity that shoot upwards from the tops of thunderstorms, reaching heights of over 30 miles (50 kilometers) above sea level. Like sprites and elves, they’re created by interactions between different types of charges in the atmosphere.
So how can you protect yourself from positive lightning? Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to avoid getting struck – especially since these bolts can hit objects that are far away from where you’d expect them to land. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
– Stay indoors: If possible, stay inside during thunderstorms – and avoid using electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures until it’s safe.
– Avoid tall objects: Don’t stand near trees or other tall objects during storms; if you’re out hiking or camping, find a low spot away from any trees.
– Get out of water: Water conducts electricity well, so don’t go swimming or boating during a storm.
– Drive safely: If you’re driving during a storm, stay inside your car with all windows rolled up; pull off to the side of the road if possible.
Overall, while positive lightning might be less common than negative strikes (and therefore less studied), it’s still an important phenomenon to be aware of – especially if you live in an area where these bolts tend to occur more frequently. By taking proper precautions and staying informed about your local weather conditions, you can help keep yourself safe during even the most intense thunderstorms.