This is one for the record books — a single lightning bolt stretched more than 515 miles across the U.S., from Texas to Kansas City, shattering the previous world record by 38 miles. Known as a megaflash, this lightning strike was so massive it spanned nearly the distance from Paris to Venice. Thanks to advanced satellite technology, scientists are now uncovering just how far lightning can reach — and how dangerous it truly is. From aviation to wildfires, the impact of lightning is no joke. WooGlobe Ref : WGA372575 For licensing and to use this video, please email licensing@wooglobe.com
00:02Scientists have recorded the longest lightning bolt in history, and it's massive.
00:07This record-breaking flash stretched over 515 miles across the U.S., from Texas all the way to Kansas City.
00:14That's twice the length of the Grand Canyon, or like driving from Paris to Venice.
00:19To drive that distance would take nine hours.
00:22A flight? At least 90 minutes.
00:24This epic strike happened during a powerful storm in October 2017, and was only just confirmed thanks to satellite lightning detectors launched that same year.
00:33Before this, lightning tracking relied on ground stations.
00:37Now, we can detect these megaflashes from space.
00:40And here's the wild part.
00:41Most lightning bolts are under 10 miles long.
00:44But a megaflash? That's anything over 60 miles.
00:48This one was more than eight times that!
00:50Experts say these discoveries are more than cool facts.
00:53They're crucial for aviation safety, wildfire prevention, and public warnings.
00:59Lightning isn't just a light show.
01:01It can strike out of the blue, even from storms hundreds of miles away.
01:05So when thunder roars, head indoors, because lightning travels farther than ever imagined.
01:10I say theirds are pushing the dams.
01:16The best of the heart was used to pack a dick, is a forest author.
