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Fantastic Facts

  • How much energy is in a bolt of lightning? One lightning strike carries 30 million volts—as much electricity as 2.5 million car batteries.
  • What is St. Elmo’s Fire? It’s a type of lightning that clings to ships’ masts and makes them glow. It was named for a 4th-century Italian bishop, Elmo, patron saint of fire.
  • Who holds the world's record for being hit by lightning most often? According to Guinness World Records, Roy G. Sullivan, a former U.S. park ranger, was struck by lightning seven times over the course of his 35-year career. Lightning has burned off his eyebrows, seared his shoulder, set his hair on fire, injured his ankle, and burned his belly and chest.

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