A new video captured by a European satellite has revealed the power of lightning in stunning detail. The video, collected by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Meteosat-11 satellite, is the first of its kind to show lightning in three dimensions. The footage shows lightning streaks over the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, reaching heights of up to 50 kilometers (30 miles). While the lightning bolts appear to be static, they are actually moving very rapidly in the Earth’s atmosphere. As the satellite orbits the Earth, it captures lightning from different angles, giving the video its three-dimensional effect.

The video is part of ESA’s effort to understand more about lightning and the processes that cause it. By studying lightning, scientists are hoping to gain a better understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate, as well as improve weather forecasts.

This video is an incredible reminder of the power of nature. The ability of the Meteosat-11 satellite to capture lightning in three dimensions is truly remarkable, and offers us a unique glimpse into the Earth’s atmosphere.

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source: Phys.org