Like Lightning*

Big Picture Science

Every second, lightning strikes 50 to 100 times somewhere. It can wreak havoc by starting wildfires and sometimes killing people. But lightning also produces a form of nitrogen that’s essential to vegetation. In this episode, we talk about the nature of these dramatic sparks. Ben Franklin established their electric origin, so what do we still not know? Also, why the frequency of lightning strikes is increasing in some parts of the world. And, what to do if you find someone hit by lightning.

Guests:

Thomas Yeadaker – Resident of Oakland, California

Chris Davis – Medical doctor and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Wake Forest University and Medical Director for the National Center for Outdoor Adventure Education

Jonathan Martin – Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Steve Ackerman – Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Peter Bieniek – Professor of Atmospheric and Space Science, University of Alaska, Fairbanks

*Originally aired September 12, 2022

Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake

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