Longest
Which organization confirmed the record for the longest lightning bolt ever recorded?
The World Meteorological Organization.
How long did the lightning bolt last?
More than seven seconds.
How much longer was the new record bolt compared to the previous record?
38 miles longer.
What is the primary focus of the World Meteorological Organization?
Weather and climate
On what date did the record-setting flash occur?
October 22, 2017.
Who led the study about the record-breaking lightning bolt?
Randall Cerveny, a professor of geographical sciences at Arizona State University.
How many states did the new record lightning bolt span?
5
Why couldn't ground sensors fully measure the bolt at the time?
The bolt was too long to be fully measured by sensors on the ground.
Where do storm clouds that produce megaflashes often form?
Over the Great Plains in North America, between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River.
Where did the lightning bolt start and end?
It started in eastern Texas and ended near Kansas City, Missouri.
What technology was used in the new study to measure the lightning bolt?
Satellite data
What agency owns the satellite used to detect lightning?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Who provided the megaflash image and how long did it extend?
NASA and NOAA provided the image and it extended 515 miles.
What is a "megaflash" in terms of lightning?
A lightning bolt that covers a distance greater than 60 miles and lasts longer than typical lightning.
How far did the megaflash travel in miles and kilometers?
515 miles (829 kilometers).
What safety advice do experts give regarding lightning?
Lightning can strike far from storm cells, so people should always stay aware and take safety precautions.
Which states did the megaflash span across?
Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas