The light of lightning, and its reflections, will penetrate through a distance of from a hundred and fifty to two hundred miles.
623. How may we calculate the distance at which the electric discharge takes place?
Sound travels at the rate of a quarter of a mile in a second. If, therefore, the peal of thunder is heard four seconds after the flash of lightning, the discharge took place about a mile off. The pulse of an adult person beats about once in a second; therefore, guided by the pulse, any person may calculate the probable distance of the storm:—
2 beats, ½ a mile.
3 beats, ¾ of a mile.
4 beats, 1 mile.
5 beats, 1¼ miles.
6 beats, 1½ miles.
7 beats, 1¾ miles.
8 beats, 2 miles, &c.
Attention should be paid to the direction and speed of the wind, and some modifications of the calculation be made accordingly. Persons between 20 and 40 years of age should count five beats of the pulse to a mile; under 20, six beats.
"The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound; thine arrows also went abroad."
624. Why are electric storms more frequent in hot than in cold weather?
Because of the greater evaporation, as the effect of heat; and also of the effect of heat upon the particles of all bodies.