3 ms·
> I was surprised that it struck a completely flat part, rather than our metal SUV, since we were definitely the tallest things around. Given that a lightning
by MisterTea 6y ago
> I was surprised that it struck a completely flat part, rather than our metal SUV, since we were definitely the tallest things around.
Given that a lightning bolt is anywhere from about 1-20km long, the ~1.5 - 2m height differential of your vehicle is background noise.
- paulcole 6y agoDoes this mean the people are pretty much safe, too? Can’t imagine many of them are over 2m.
- rob74 6y agoI wouldn't bet on it - the lightning might strike the ground directly sometimes, but I imagine that a taller object still has a much higher risk of being struck...
- ableal 6y agoA few years ago a young woman jogging on the beach near Lisbon was struck and killed by lightning. I wouldn't bet my life against those natural shortest path algorithms ...
- distant_hat 6y agoIt isn't about the height, it is that spikier conducting things concentrate charges.