Cloud to Cloud Lightning

There are different kinds of lightning strikes. Cloud to cloud lightning is one of them. When we think of lightening, we basically envision the single-bolt style that reaches down and strikes something on the ground. But sometimes lightning doesn’t shoot downward. Instead, the electricity is attracted to electricity generated in another cloud and it strikes out and hits it. This is simply one of the many styles of lightning. Lightning is an interesting thing to study and learn about.

Viewing cloud to cloud lightning in the sky can be spectacular. Sometimes, there are so many offshoots as parts of the lightning bolt go to different clouds that you feel as if you are watching a fireworks display. This can be especially spectacular in an area that is clear and free from busy city life. Witnessing cloud to cloud lightning in the dessert or in the mountains is truly amazing. It is a privilege to watch these events in nature and not have the viewing clouded by modern life. Of course, make sure you are in shelter



viewing it and not outside. Lightning can be dangerous.

During a lightning storm, clouds take on positive and negative charges. Usually, the bottom of the cloud is a negative charge and the top of the cloud is at a positive charge. When lightning strikes from one cloud to the next, it usually comes out of the negative charge of the cloud and strikes the positive charged part of another cloud. What this means is that there is a scientific explanation behind the phenomenon.

When considering cloud to cloud lightning, it is often fun to understand the science behind it. It is actually the most common way lightening strikes and is usually lights up the whole sky. Most of us witness it but it happens so fast that all we see is the light in the sky and not the specific lightning strike. But wherever there is cloud to cloud lightening there is always the risk that lightening will eventually strike the ground so it is important to follow standard safety precautions when considering lightning displays.