The experiment they performed at the University of Chicago to a certain degree simulated lightning s effect on early atmospheric gases. The experiment produced a dark precipitation, simulating the Earth s oceans at an early stage. According to the two scientists lightening could have acted as the catalyst for all life as we know it. Lightning causes severe damage to living organisms as well as to the Earth s surface. It is estimated that more than 100 bolts of lightning strike the planet every minute.
Lightning can cause houses to catch fire and split large trees right down the middle.
The electrical shock of lightning hitting the Earth with approximately 100,000,000 volts has been known to kill entire herds of cattle and injure many who are in the vicinity. Reliable information on lightning deaths and injuries are needed to keep the public informed on the dangers of being in a thunderstorm. There are many precautions to take such as avoid being outside playing golf or holding any metal object. Standing near trees is another unnecessary hazard, because they are one of the many targets a bolt will likely strike first. The main source of information for deaths and injuries due to lightning is NOAA s Storm Data.