A beautiful series of photos (and some knowledge) of the most furious and arguably the most incredible of natural phenomena - The power of the lightning bolt. This awesome display of released electricity has created thousands of myth and related gods around the world. In Ancient Greek, Zeus used lightning bolts as his personal weapon. Other gods related to lightning are the Aztec god Tlaloc, the Mayas' God K, Thor in Norse mythology, Ukko in Finnish mythology, the Hindu god Indra, and the Shinto god Raijin. |
Lightning is a massive electrostatic discharge between electrically charged regions within clouds, or between a cloud and the Earth's surface. |
The charged regions within the atmosphere temporarily equalize themselves through a lightning flash, commonly referred to as a strike if it hits an object on the ground. |
There are three primary types; from a cloud to itself (intra-cloud or IC); from one cloud to another cloud (CC) and finally between a cloud and the ground (CG). |
Although lightning is always accompanied by the sound of thunder, distant lightning may be seen but be too far away for the thunder to be heard. |
Lightning occurs approximately 40–50 times a second worldwide, resulting in nearly 1.4 billionflashes per year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
These Beautiful Photos Remind Me: Spring is Here!
I know I miss spring, with its many beautiful colors, and the feeling that everything is alive. So let's have a look at the beauty of spring, and hope it is upon us all soon.
Perhaps the Most Scenic Train Rides in the World...
Although there are much quicker ways of traveling, using a train is arguably much more picturesque than the others. Here are the 7 most scenic train rides.
Have You Seen The 9 Best Drone Photographs of 2016 Yet?
Drone photography has taken the art of the camera to lofty heights never seen before. Every year photographers get even better, and these are the best of 2016.
I Would Give Anything to Visit These Incredible Places!
These breathtaking views are a "must see" for any nature lover. Warning! if you're afraid of heights these photos might leave you feeling a little dizzy.
These Photos Prove New Zealand Is the Most Beautiful Place
New Zealand has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and these photos are clear evidence of that. Here are 25 amazing photos.
These Photos Appear To Have Been Taken In Another World...
Planet Earth is an incredible place - so incredible that we sometimes don't even recognise it. These locations could easily double up as alien planets.
Turbulent Waters: Unbelievable Sea Moments
The ocean can be a big and scary place. Here are some of the craziest sea moments caught on camera.
This Botanical Garden in Pennsylvania Is Out of This World
Take a look at these terrific photos of stunning Botanical garden, Longwood Gardens.
Animal Crossings Are a Huge Step For Wildlife Conservation
Animal crossings are an invention that has contributed significantly to lowering the number of animals killed on the roads. Here are 20 around the world.
These Siamese Fighting Fish Look Like Rainbows
If you thought you knew all about fish, this colorful Siamese Fighting Fish will make you think twice, and look admiringly. I'm in love with these beauties!
HEARTWARMING: Animals Embracing Newfound Freedom
In this touching compilation video of animals tasting freedom for the first time wwill melt your heart.
Save Money on Watering with These Drought Tolerant Plants
Here are 10 low maintenance perennials that will grow year after year.
These Have Got to Be Some of the World Strangest Plants
In this world there are pretty plants and then there are talented and bizarre plants. These 12 plants definitely fall into the latter category.
These Adorable Baby Animals Will Make You Smile
These tiny animals can all fit in one hand and are the cutest creatures you will see today.
Are These the Coolest 70 Year Olds Ever?
These women have made their livelihoods by hunting sea snakes on the coast of their island.
These Creatures Are So Scary You'll Be Happy They're Extinct
Once you read more about these extinct animals - you'll be happy you won't have to see them in real life.
These Cute Animal Encounters Took People by Surprise
Enjoy these touching images of harmony between animals and humans.
These Animals Can Teach Us a Thing or Two About Love
Love. It's not only an emotion expressed by humans. Here are 15 beautifully captured photos of animals that can't help but showcase their love to one another.
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
15 Wonderful Plants to Grow in Every Room in Your Home
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already growing plants in your home, but the question is, are you placing them correctly?
The Aardwolf May Not Sound Cute, But it CAN Be...
Ever heard of an aardwolf? If the answer to this question is no, then prepare yourself for one of the cutest animals you’re ever likely to see.
The Galapagos Islands Are Truly a Marvel of Nature
The Galapagos islands truly are a marvel of nature. Parts of the islands are open to visitors, so if you have the chance to go, grab it with both hands!
In Pictures: 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards
Check out the majestic winners of the 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards.
These Photos Appear To Have Been Taken In Another World...
Planet Earth is an incredible place - so incredible that we sometimes don't even recognise it. These locations could easily double up as alien planets.
WATCH: These Two Elephants Meet After 20 Years...
Being apart for 20 years can be hard, and when these 2 elephants finally met again, the results were simply beautiful.
Useless Tusks and Dolphin-Lizards: Oddest Extinct Animals
Strange and unbelievable prehistoric animals. Get familiar with these magnificent ancient dinosaurs that used to roam the planet with their bizarre but fascinating looks.
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
16 Award-Winning Shots That’ll Take Your Breath Away
The 2020 winners of the nature photography competition BigPicture have been announced, and they are astounding!
The Animal Kingdom Now Has the Photographer it Deserves
Sergey Polyushko could be one of the world's finest animal photographers in history. Just look at these 17 fantastic snaps.
These 17 Animals Could Definitely Model Hair Products
These animals have prettier hair than most people you know, and it's all natural!
National Geographic's Photography Never Ceases to Amaze
National Geographic never ceases to amaze us with the photos it shows us, and the 20 images you're about to see here are no exception.
8 Animals That Hibernate During Winter
We have all heard how bears hibernate during the winters. Here are 8 more animals that protect themselves from the cold by hibernating.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
You Won't Believe the Equine Wonder in These Horse Photos
Wiebke Haas captures some of the world's most beautiful horses strutting their proud stuff in this superb collection of equine majesty.
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
10 Beautiful Horse Breeds Everyone Needs to Know About
We humans owe horses so much thanks to the role they've played in human history. These are probably the 10 most interesting breeds of all.
Dive Deep Into the Vast Open Serengeti in 4K
Watching wild animals in their natural habitats is as exciting as nature gets. Enjoy the journey!
The Owl: True and Funny Facts!
This hilarious video explores the natural world, this time - the owl, a magnificent creature that still sounds really funny in this true facts video
These Photos Prove How Colorful and Beautiful Our World Is
Our planet is so beautiful and full of color, and these photo go a long way to proving just that.
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
Photographer Captures the Ethereal Beauty of the Sea World
Check out some truly stunning photographs of the animals of the sea world by noted photographer Greg Lecoeur.
These Award-Winning Wildlife Photos Are Phenomenal
View some of the best entries from the 2017 edition of GDT's ‘European Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition. Take a look.
This Photographer Captured a Baby's Journey in the Womb
This photographer's amazing project concerned capturing a baby's development in the womb, from the moment of conception through to birth. Take a look.
Beautiful: How Your Dog Sees You Vs. How You See Yourself
Although we can feel down in the dumps about ourselves sometimes, our dogs will always keep their faith in us and see us as their heroes.
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.