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Lightning

Lightning

Experts still aren't sure what triggers it, but they suspect cosmic rays from outer space.

How Lightning Works

It's like a giant spark in the sky, though with a few puzzling differences.

Lightning Varieties

Your average jagged bolt is just the beginning. There are also balls, blue jets, red sprites, elves...

Ask the Expert

Lightning expert Joe Dwyer of the Florida Institute of Technology answers viewer questions about lightning.