logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2024
32m 30s

Where does lightning come from?

American Public Media
About this episode

Grab your raincoat, and join Molly and co-host Lily as they float into the clouds to learn about lightning! They’ll explore how lightning is made and what it takes to stay safe during thunderstorms. To close with a bang, Molly will slip on her Thunderpants and host an electrifying lightning-themed game show. But don’t bolt too soon. We’ve got a mystery sound reveal that promises to shock!

Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
How does music get recorded and stored?
<p>Most of us take listening to music or podcasts for granted. You can find them on your phone, in the car or just about anywhere you can imagine. But, have you ever wondered how those sounds were captured in the first place? To find out, Molly and Co-host Canyon shrink down and ... Show More
30m 56s
Nov 18
Do dogs know that they're dogs?
<p>We treat dogs like they're part of the family. But do they know they are a different species, or do they think they're just short, four-legged people?</p> <p data-encore-id="text">In this episode, canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz helps us puzzle out this question ... Show More
26m 18s
Nov 11
Mystery Sounds from the natural world
<p>Today&rsquo;s episode is full of Mystery Sounds from around the world. Molly and co-host Rehema are joined by sonic explorer Thomas Rex Beverly, who travels the globe to capture the sounds of the natural world. He brings us some beautiful head-scratchers that really must be he ... Show More
33m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Lightning vs. Snowflakes: a meteorological debate
<p>Today’s debate is a meteorological mashup that is sure to make you shake and shiver. One side comes in a flash the other comes in a flurry. Be sure to grab your coats and your thickest mittens, because it’s Lightning vs. Snowflakes! Listen as writer and composer Benjamin Weine ... Show More
33m 15s
Oct 2023
Lightning vs. Snowflakes: a meteorological debate
<p>Today’s debate is a meteorological mashup that is sure to make you shake and shiver. One side comes in a flash the other comes in a flurry. Be sure to grab your coats and your thickest mittens, because it’s Lightning vs. Snowflakes! Listen as writer and composer Benjamin Weine ... Show More
33m 15s
Apr 2020
Curious About Lightning And Thunder
<p>In episode 79, we learn about lightning and thunder.  What causes lightning?  How hot is lightning?  Can you have lightning without rain?  Can you have thunder without lightning?  Olivia interviews Greg, a meteorologist, to ask him some questions about lightning and thunder an ... Show More
20m 46s
Mar 2021
It’s ball lightning!
For millennia, people have been reporting stories of mysterious spheres of light that glow, crackle, and hover eerily during thunderstorms. They’ve been spotted in people’s homes, and are even said to be able to pass through windows. No one knows how ball lightning forms — but th ... Show More
26m 26s
Apr 2024
What happens when lightning strikes water?
It’s one thing to watch a storm roll in from the safety of your own home, but what if you’re out in the middle of the ocean and things start to head in a stormy direction? Jonathan Smith, a faculty research assistant at University of Maryland, will help us understand what happens ... Show More
4m 26s
Jan 2023
Black Holes vs. Meteors
<p>Grab your telescopes, cuz you’re in for a celestial smackdown. It’s black holes vs. meteors! Comedian and writer Max Maliga goes to bat for black holes against improvisor, writer and meteor maven Anupa Otiv.<br><br>Which cosmic celebrity will take home the crown? Massive black ... Show More
33m 26s
Jan 2023
Black Holes vs. Meteors
<p>Grab your telescopes, cuz you’re in for a celestial smackdown. It’s black holes vs. meteors! Comedian and writer Max Maliga goes to bat for black holes against improvisor, writer and meteor maven Anupa Otiv.<br><br>Which cosmic celebrity will take home the crown? Massive black ... Show More
33m 26s
Sep 2023
The Thunderstorm
Omari and Wakeel rush indoors as a thunderstorm hits their neighborhood. Jolting sounds and scary sights fill their afternoon, as the boys experience their first thunderstorm. Their family stays safe indoors. Baba uses this opportunity to share a new perspective on how the lighte ... Show More
13m 23s
Jun 2022
What is lightning?
<p><strong>#137</strong></p> <p>Lightning is something we're all used to. It's always just been an odd part of life. But think for a second, what even is it? It's just electricity, hanging out in the sky?? Why? What causes it? What makes it move from cloud to cloud? Or from cloud ... Show More
44m 45s