Lightning: The Science, the Safety, and the Surprises

On a hot afternoon in 1970, a single lightning strike on a Florida football field changed lives and reshaped how we think about storm safety. In this episode of Off the Radar, we take a deeper look at one of nature’s most powerful and misunderstood forces. First, lightning safety expert John Jensenius joins us to break down what actually keeps you safe in a storm - and the myths that can put people at risk. Then, Dr. Tim Logan from Texas A&M explains how scientists are studying lightning in new ways. As the director of the Houston Lightning Mapping Array Network, he’s helped discover two of the longest lightning flashes ever recorded. He shares what those massive “megaflashes” reveal about storms, along with the questions scientists still can’t fully answer. From safety to cutting-edge science, this episode explores what lightning can do, how to stay safe, and why it still leaves everyone (even experts!) in awe.