http://www.nybg.org/plant-talk/2012/01/photography/morning-eye-candy-lightning-strikes/ The Blog of The New York Botanical Garden Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:44:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 http://www.nybg.org/plant-talk/2012/01/photography/morning-eye-candy-lightning-strikes/comment-page-1/#comment-103524 Audrey Burtrum-Stanley Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:25:41 +0000 http://www.nybg.org/plant-talk/?p=32062#comment-103524 Fascinating photograph! Lightening strikes are amazing to observe; I have witnessed the results AFTER several tree strikes and generally, bark is blown off the tree. This is because the lightening produces a temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (or greater) along with an electrical charge of 100 million volts. Sometimes, the tree even bursts into flame! The sap boils plus steam is generated from within the tree and literally, the wood cells explode. This photographed burn pattern (on what I assume is a beech tree) is a remarkable record of the power and beauty of nature. I commend your astute photographer for recording and sharing this image. (P.S. It would be interesting to note, a year from now, if the tree survives.)

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