All about Lightning

Readable and nontechnical, this illustrated survey explores the nature and causes of lightning. Topics include ball lightning, the workings of lightning rods, how to photograph lightning, and other fascinating subjects. CHAPTER ONE Why did Benjamin Franklin fly the kite? CHAPTER TWO How does a lightning rod work? CHAPTER THREE How many people are killed by lightning each year? What should I do if caught outdoors in a thunderstorm? Is it safe to talk on the telephone during a thunderstorm? Should I unplug radios and TVs? How can I help someone struck by lightning? CHAPTER FOUR Am I safe from lightning in an airplane? In a car? CHAPTER FIVE How does lightning damage trees and building? CHAPTER SIX "Does lightning "never strike twice?" Does it always strike the tallest object? CHAPTER SEVEN How are thunderstorms formed? Are there locations with no lightning? How many thunderstorms are in progress in the world at one time? CHAPTER EIGHT Does cloud lightning differ from cloud-to-ground lightning? Which is more common? Does lightning occur only in thunderstorms? CHAPTER NINE Does a stroke between cloud and ground travel upwards or downwards? CHAPTER TEN How long and how wide is the lightning channel? Why is lightning zig-zag? How can I best photograph lightning? CHAPTER ELEVEN How hot is lightning? CHAPTER TWELVE How is thunder generated? How can it be used to measure the distance and length of the lightning channel? CHAPTER THIRTEEN Does lightning occur without thunder? Thunder without lightning? What is heat lightning? Sheet lightning? CHAPTER FOURTEEN Do gushes of rain follow thunder? CHAPTER FIFTEEN What is ball lightning? Are UFOs and ball lightning related? CHAPTER SIXTEEN What is ribbon lightning? Bead lightning? CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Has lightning any practical use? CHAPTER EIGHTEEN What would happen if lightning were eliminated? INDEX