By the time you've read this sentence, lightning will strike about 100 times around the world. A single bolt has one trillion watts of electricity with temperatures up to 27,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightning is one of the most powerful forces in nature.
Understanding it takes dedicated, intensive study. Lightning researchers are pursuing more accurate severe weather forecasting and improved public safety. This week, experts from around the world are talking about lightning and other flashy subjects at the 11 th quadrennial International Conference on Atmospheric Electricity in Guntersville, Ala. You can talk to a lightning expert about what is being learned and how it affects people everywhere.