2006-06-21 13:27:09 · 17 answers · asked by Chris 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
NO.
It is only an effect of a cloud being illuminated by a distant lightning flash.
2006-06-21 13:33:59 · answer #1 · answered by Ubi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat lightning or summer lightning
Heat lightning (or, in the UK, "summer lightning") is nothing more than the faint flashes of lightning on the horizon or other clouds from distant thunderstorms. Heat lightning was named because it often occurs on hot summer nights. Heat lightning can be an early warning sign that thunderstorms are approaching. In Florida, heat lightning is often seen out over the water at night, the remnants of storms that formed during the day along a seabreeze front coming in from the opposite coast.
Some cases of "heat lightning" can be explained by the refraction of light or sound by bodies of air with different densities. An observer may see nearby lightning, but the sound from the discharge is refracted over his head by a change in the temperature, and therefore the density, of the air around him. As a result, the lightning discharge appears to be silent.
2006-06-21 13:31:43 · answer #2 · answered by FishRN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the added heat makes more water vaporize. With all the added energy and water in the air, there is more friction. Friction causes a static electric charge that gives us an awesome light show!!!
2006-06-21 13:31:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat lightning is not real! At least not in the way that people think it is.
It's actual lightning, which produces thunder (like all lightning does). It's just so far away from you that you are still seeing lightning, but the sound waves of the thunder have refracted back up into the atmosphere over your head.
2006-06-21 14:48:24 · answer #4 · answered by Bean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regardless what you call it... it is the movement of electrons based on a differance of potential... which is electricity. When very warm air (witch contains moisture) and cold air come together in the atmosphere, there is a different of potential between the tow. This causes electrons to bunch up on the warm air and when the electrons get to a voltage high enough to jump the gap... it arcs.... causing the lightning. Regardless whether it is beween the ground and the cloud, or one cloud to another... it is simple electricity, thus the properties are the same.
I hope this helps.
2006-06-21 13:56:47 · answer #5 · answered by Dport 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is.
That is, there is a thing called heat lightning. However, I do not think it is known exactly what it is. Scientists are still struggling with what lightning is alltogether. (That is, what causes it.)
2006-06-21 13:31:20 · answer #6 · answered by PeaceIsComming 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah.....my school had heat lighting.
2006-06-21 13:30:16 · answer #7 · answered by Marisa C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-06-24 12:10:13 · answer #8 · answered by Isles1015 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-06-21 13:31:05 · answer #9 · answered by doglady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-06-21 13:30:18 · answer #10 · answered by Peachy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋