how can you tell how far lightning is
To determine how far away a lightning strike is, you can use a simple method called the "flash-to-bang" method. Here’s how it works:
- See the lightning flash: When you see a lightning flash, start counting the seconds immediately.
- Hear the thunder: Stop counting when you hear the thunder.
- Calculate the distance: Divide the number of seconds you counted by 5. This will give you the distance to the lightning strike in miles.
The reason this method works is that light travels much faster than sound. Light travels at approximately 186,000 miles per second, while sound travels at approximately 768 miles per hour (or about 1 mile every 5 seconds). So, when you see the lightning flash, you can start counting the seconds until you hear the thunder. The longer it takes to hear the thunder, the farther away the lightning strike is.
Here’s a rough guide to help you estimate the distance:
- 5 seconds or less: The lightning strike is within 1 mile.
- 10-15 seconds: The lightning strike is 2-3 miles away.
- 30 seconds or more: The lightning strike is 6 miles or more away.
Keep in mind that this method is not always accurate, as the speed of sound can be affected by factors like wind direction, air pressure, and temperature. However, it can give you a rough estimate of the distance to the lightning strike.
It’s also worth noting that if you can hear the thunder within 30 seconds of seeing the lightning flash, it’s considered close enough to pose a threat, and you should seek shelter immediately.
