Huge lightning strikes back

Lightning strikes often hit the ground during storms, but scientists have recently captured an image of an extremely large lightning bolt in the opposite direction.

Lightning strikes upward - one of the few forms of discharge quite rare in storms. This type of lightning was first discovered in 2001. Since then, 10 similar lightning rays have been observed since then. In essence, they are completely similar to the type of clay facing the ground.

" The giant reverse lightning strikes are released from the clouds in the storm. But instead of moving down to the ground, they are pointing upwards and keep going until they touch something capable. So, giant lightning has transferred electrical charge from the clouds to the highest levels of the atmosphere, "said Steven Cummer, one of the latest reverse lightning flashers, explained to Livescience.

The upward upward lightning is a rare form of discharge in storms.(Photo: universalgeneral.com)

Cummer and the electrical experts of Duke University (USA) happened to see huge reverse lightning when they watched the lightning in a storm on July 21, 2008.

What can block reverse lightning is the ion layer (located in the highest position of the earth's atmosphere and adjacent to the universe). This layer is made up of electrically charged atoms, or ions.

Electrically charged clouds due to movement of water and ice particles. When two charged charged clouds come close together, the voltage between them can reach millions of volts. The cause of the lightning rising above has not been found. Since there is nothing in the atmosphere that blocks lightning, it can travel at a rate of 5-10 times greater than that of earth-directed lightning and reach an altitude of about 80 km above the ground.