This article was posted 09/06/2005 and is most likely outdated.

Monumental Lightning Strike
 

 
Topic - Lightning and Surge Protection
Subject - Monumental Lightning Strike

September 6, 2005

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Monumental Lightning Strike

 

On July 1, 2005 at 11:18 p.m. (local time) lightning struck the Washington Monument as a severe thunderstorm moved towards Washington , D.C. from Maryland . The storm produced vivid lightning and briefly heavy rain across the city. This photograph was taken from the Jefferson Memorial, looking across the Tidal Basin . The heavy rain associated with the storm had not yet arrived, thus allowing a clear view of the lightning strike. It's interesting that the Monument was struck from the side by the huge, powerful bolt, but also note the illuminated lightning streamer coming off the top of the Monument toward the primary bolt. The Washington Monument at 555 feet (169 m) is the highest building in Washington and has an extensive lightning rod protection system. See also the Earth Science Picture of the Day for October 2, 2003.

Provided and copyright by: Kevin Ambrose , To view other Earth Science Pictures of the Day, visit their website at: http://epod.usra.edu/index.php3

 

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Comments
  • There's something that looks funny about this photograph. I know that nobody's going to post a bogus picture on your list, but it looks all the world like a picture of another lightning stroke is superimposed on a picture of the Washington Monument. Now, I do _not_ think that the photograph is anything but legitimate, but the main bolt looks very wide. Is this because the stroke was very bright, or for some other reason?

    It is not uncommon for lightning to attach to the side of a very tall building. There's a Malaysian fellow who studies this phenomenon; Malaysia has a lot of lightning and some exceedingly tall buildings.


    Reply to this comment

  • I wonder how many volts and amps that lightning strike represents?


    Reply to this comment

  • Mike,

    I would sure think a strike like this would leave extensive physical damage to the monument. Are you sure this photo isn't a hoax?

    Brian

    Brian Holt
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