Each day we feature a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Lightning has been seen in the atmospheres of Venus , Earth , Jupiter , and Saturn . A leading theory is that collisions of particles in clouds cause large areas of positive and negative charge. On average, over 100 lightning strikes occur every second over the surface of the Earth . Here lightning strikes near a Space Shuttle before launch .
Lightning can be extremely dangerous - stay out of open areas during thunderstorms.
Specific rights apply.