Trifter

I took some time out to do some reading instead of writing.  I came across an article that I found very intriguing. I had never heard of this before and wondered how many people were aware of this. I found it to be fascinating and I hope you do to.

The Everlasting Storm in Venezuela

This mysterious storm is called the “Relampago del Catatumbo, otherwise know has Catatumbo lightening and is located at the mouth of the Catatumbo River in Venezuela.  This phenomenon is breathtakingly beautiful and although I have never seen it in person it certainly would be on my “Bucket List”.

Greatest Lightening Show

From 140 to 160 nights out of the years the residents that live there is privy to the most beautiful lightening show that is made by nature.  This occurs due to cloud to cloud lighting that forms a voltage arc over head for more than five kilometers. It last for ten hours a night and as many flashes as 280 per hour.

Why it Occurs

The reason for these phenomena is that the lightening occurs over marshlands where the Catatumbo River feeds into Lake Maracaibo. This is caused by the collision of the winds coming in over the Andes causing the storm and the lighting discharging through the ionized gases of methane that is built up from decomposition in the marshes which, in turn, rises to the clouds. It is said to be the greatest single generator of ozone’s on our planet.

UNESCO Interested

This area has a view to 1,176,000 electrical discharges a year and with an intensity of approximately 400,000 amperes which can be seen over 400 miles away. And just to think all we have privy too are fireworks once or twice a year. The light is that bright that it has been used for guiding ships for ages. UNESCO is hoping to take this area under their wing but it hasn’t happened yet.

Summary

This must be an awesome sight and to think that this light show is put on by Mother Nature herself. It is a wondrous planet we live on with so much beauty and this is certainly one of them. To have a phenomenon like this in your own backyard has to be the most exciting nights that anyone could ever spend just looking at this awesome sight.