Like Lightning

Big Picture Science

Science, Technology

4.5 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 2 February 2026

⏱️ 54 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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 at the 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 Descripción en español Originally aired September 12, 2022 Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science. You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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1:15.6	In the time it takes me to say this sentence, lightning will strike thousands of times around the world.
1:18.6	It occurs on Earth between 40 to 100 times a second.
1:22.6	Most of the time, lightning just puts on a really magnificent show,
1:26.6	but it also ignites wildfires, and be careful, sometimes it can be fatal.
1:33.2	You'd think that in the time since Ben Franklin flew his kite, we'd know everything we need to know about atmospheric electricity, but we're still figuring out which storms produce it.
1:43.8	And now, in some places like the Arctic, lightning is becoming more frequent.
1:48.4	What do we still not know about lightning and how are lightning storms changing?
1:53.1	I'm Molly Bentley.
1:54.4	I'm Seth Shostak, and welcome to Big Picture Science.
1:57.6	This episode is Like Lightning.
2:15.8	Okay. picture science. This episode is like lightning. Later in the show, you'll hear our interview about what lightning is with atmospheric
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