/oss/taxonomy/term/2499/all en /oss/article/did-you-know-technology/lightning-striking-planes <p>Have you ever been in a plane that was struck by lightning? It happens to the average plane about once a year. It’s a terrifying experience to be sure, but the passengers inside are actually completely safe, due to some smart design elements in airplanes. <span>Most planes are made of aluminum and the ones that are not usually still contain metal frames. This metal framing acts as a conductor so that when electricity enters it at any point it spreads across all metal parts.</span></p> Mon, 03 Jul 2017 21:33:15 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 2563 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know/catatumbo-lightning <p>Orange and red lightning above Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela produce a spectacular phenomenon that is visible for more than 500 km. This phenomenon commences one hour after dawn and lasts for 10 hours. Unlike normal thunderstorms, this thunderstorm always occurs in the same place and can be observed 160 nights per year. The origin of the Catatumbo Lightning is unknown.</p> Fri, 02 Jun 2017 16:26:34 +0000 OSS 2526 at /oss