Green Lightning is one of the most extraordinary phenomena that one can witness. It has the pure power to electrically charge the sky. Nature can be unpredictable at times, and the sight of a green bolt of lightning completely throws you off. Green lightning, though atypical, brings a unique flare to thunderstorms. It’s pale-green colored light becoming the most captivating feature of the sky during such storms. In this blog, we will discover the science behind, the occurrence of green lightning, as well as some theories pertaining to lightning in general.
What Exactly Is Green Lightning?
As per reports regarding green lightning, it is reported to be the rarest form of lightning. However, the general opinion regarding this is that it is a phenomenon that almost everyone witnessed at least once, but did not realize not everyone can experience it. Most people would describe the way lightning looks as white, blue, or even yellow from the Earth’s perspective, all of which are common occurrences.
The green color comes about when lightning hits areas of the sky that contain high levels of moisture, oxygen or nitrogen. The end result is a beautiful phenomenon that appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. In some instances, this color comes about due to ionization in the atmosphere, and as particles are used up, they turn a green color and fuse with the electric current.
Green Lightning: The Physics of Knowing
Even though green lightning may look like an enchanted or a divine phenomenon it has a clear logic behind it . The high charge in the atmosphere produced by lighting can ionize mainly oxygen and nitrogen and these gases can release light in different colors when they are ionized.
If the gases or moisture content in the air are too high during a thunderstorm, the color of the lightning will be affected. In the case of green lightning, arc discharge tends to interact with auroras or certain forms of precipitation that cause a greenish tinge.
Many people mistakenly think that green lightning is caused by St. Elmo’s fire or ball lightning, both of which, while rare, are scientifically verifiable occurrences. However, green lightning is unique for the specific genetic elements of the atmosphere that are required for its emergence.
Rarity of Green Lightning
While thunder and lightning storms are commonplace in most areas across the globe, green lightning remains a sight that is hard to come by. An excellent example would be lightning bolts emitted from the volcanic clouds caused by a volcanic eruption. Green lightning could also occur because of weather conditions, for instance during an overseas storm, and possible thick salt and moisture in the air. In such rare occasions, green lightning may also be produced due to storms above the rugged oceanic surface.
Because of when it is seen, green lightning is usually termed ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event to storm chasers and nature lovers. This phenomenon is extreme, and photographers especially look for situations when striking is possible and see hope in capturing green lightning against dark stormy skies.
A Nice Contrast With The Sky
The broad associations of lightning tend to be of destruction and fear, while the green lightning is like a small ribbon which indicates the beauty of a terrible storm. No matter if shown in the shot where a blue sky is overshadowed by a storm or surrounded by clouds, the green flash is stunning.
Chasing after storms and nature photographers describe the first eye contact with green lightning as a dreamlike experience. This unexpected incident shown to a person is completely black and looks out of this world, emphasizing the randomness of nature.
As a matter of fact, green lightning is quite a fanciful cyclone among photographers and scientifically oriented individuals as well. People often pass around stories about it and make up its artistic interpretations which mix science and mythology. Some people see it as a harbinger of behavioural changes, of chains, while others just admire its charm.
Chasing Green Lightning: The Deepest Of All Storm Photography
For those keen on storm photography or interested in the rare occurrence of weather phenomena, green lightning photography defitely remains the last frontier. The difficulty comes not only from being at the junction of the right place and time but also in overall hazardous and erratic conditions surrounding the thunderstorm.
In order to capture photographs of green lightning, photographers usually travel to zealous storm areas that have moisture levels or volcanic activities that heighten the chances of viewing this rare occurrence. Storm chasers utilize long exposures in order to capture the moments when lightning branches out and lights up the horizon with their desired green tint.
The Green Lightning’s Mystical Nature
Not only is science involved in drawing beauty in people towards green lightning. There is a more magical appeal to it. The reverberation of thunder and exhibition of lightning as one peaceful hue makes everything feel perfect. Green lightning serves as a reminder of how beautiful things are in times of chaos and what nature truly possesses.
Many societies around the world have an explanation for strange weather patterns including green lightning. Such phenomena are interpreted as a sign to the people and are believed to trigger drastic changes. Such views only spark further interest and appreciation for this type of lightning as green lightning becomes a topic that intrigues scientist, poets, artists and storytellers alike throughout history
Conclusion: The Beauty in the Heart of Nature’s Rage
For most of us, lightning is one of the most terrifying yet captivating phenomena that mother nature has gifted us. But there is something more magnificent than the typical bolt and that is green lightning which makes the sky shimmer in a blend of natural grace and ferocious power. The image of green lightning brings to attention the fact that nature is as beautiful as it is brutal even in some of the most turbulent times. Such stunning images are rarities, but still they exist.
Be it storm chasers, photographers or just anyone who has the knack for the fury and splendor of nature, green lightning is bound to enthrall. So the next time, the sky turns bleak while it is raining, do not lose hopes, you just might get the opportunity to witness the stunning green lightning and get photographs that will be cherished forever.
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