There are many myths about lightning. Almost all cultures on Earth have their own beliefs about what causes it.
Firstly, we need to know how to think critically about lightning. Why are there so many myths about lightning? Could it be that previous generations didn’t fully understand the complex science behind lightning? Could it be that these myths have been passed down from one generation to the next without being seriously questioned?
It is time to start thinking critically about lightning.
Lightning is a sudden natural electrical discharge of a very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder.
The truth of the matter is that lightning is dangerous. It is the most consistent killer by weather on earth. It kills more people than hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods.
Lightning kills approximately 24,000 people around the world every year. And approximately 240,000 people will be struck or injured but survive a lightning strike, often with severe disabilities. Lightning is a completely random and anonymous killer.
Myths About Lightning
Lightning injuries are always fatal—Only 3 out of 10 die, according to a U.S. study
Major cause of lightning death is from burns—The only immediate cause of death is a heart attack
Some one struck by lightning bursts into flames—In reality lightning flashes over the outside of a victim, leaving little external signs of injury
Lightning never strikes the same place twice—The Empire State Building is hit dozens of times a year, and mountaintops and radio-television towers get struck regularly
