What's Hotter Than the Sun? A Lightning Bolt!
Have you ever seen a lightning bolt rip through the night sky and wished you could get close enough to feel its heat? Well, we have some news for you—you really, really don’t want to do that! Why, you may ask? Because lightning bolts can reach temperatures of up to 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s five times hotter than the surface of our sun! Let’s explore why lightning is so hot.
Breakdown of Lightning Heat
What makes lightning such an incredible natural phenomenon is its sheer power. When a thunderstorm forms and causes a discharge of electricity between a cloud and the ground, it produces an electric current. This current is what creates the heat inside a lightning bolt—a process known as resistive heating. This occurs because electricity seeks out resistance in materials, which means that when the current passes through air molecules it heats them up to near-incandescent temperatures in just milliseconds. That’s why a single bolt can be so hot!
Lightning Safety Tips
It goes without saying that one should never attempt to touch or be near a lightning bolt—not only is it dangerous but also illegal in most places. If you are caught outdoors during a storm, however, there are certain safety tips you should follow: 1) avoid water and tall objects; 2) stay away from metal objects; 3) crouch low on the ground; and 4) if possible, find shelter indoors. By following these simple steps, you can minimize your risk of being hit by lightning while still enjoying nature's spectacular show from afar.
As awe-inspiring as they are to watch from afar, lightning bolts can reach temperatures five times hotter than the surface of our sun—which means they should always be respected with caution. The best way to do this is by staying indoors if there is any chance of a thunderstorm occurring or by avoiding tall structures and large bodies of water when outdoors. Remembering these simple steps will help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during storms while still allowing everyone to marvel at Mother Nature's power from afar!