Recent comments in /f/askscience

JonJackjon t1_j4tul30 wrote

Reply to comment by KettleManCU7 in How does lightning illuminate the sky? by AverageMan282

I agree with this explanation with a minor addition. The plasma created from the lightning discharge is extremely hot. Extreme heat from anything will give off light. This is why incandescent bulb colors are described in °Kelvin.

I don't know the physics of how a hot specimen emits photons.

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KettleManCU7 t1_j4ttvp8 wrote

Reply to comment by EmperorGeek in How does lightning illuminate the sky? by AverageMan282

That statement is partially true. Lightning bolts do illuminate the sky, but it is not due to reflection off of aerosols. Lightning is caused by the buildup and discharge of electrical energy within a storm system. The intense heat of the lightning bolt causes the surrounding air to expand rapidly, creating a bright flash and a thunderous sound. The light emitted from the bolt can be reflected off of clouds and other particles in the atmosphere, which can enhance the overall brightness and create different colors in the sky.

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