Mike...

MR>I dunno if this is true, or even something I should post here. But there was
  >alightning expert on one of the news channels the other day and he
  >saidsomething that I just could not believe. He talked about the temperature
  >oflightning, which I don't remember, but it was amazing. Also he said we see
  >longstreaks when we see lightning, but in all actuality, it is only about th
  >sizeof a pencil. Is that true?!? I just can't imagine that.

  You are correct on both counts.

  The temperature of a lightning strike is 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit...5 times
hotter than the surface of the sun.

  And, it is that thin...coming up from the ground as a stepped leader, then
meeting with the stroke from the thundercloud.

  Either way, you don't want to be hit...directly or indirectly. I myself have
been indirectly struck twice...but carry no charge and can be handled safely.


  If you want details, I can post them in a later message.

Daryl

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