the-science-llama reblogged
A dirty thunderstorm (also, Volcanic lightning) is a weather phenomenon that occurs when lightning is produced in a volcanic plume. A study in the journal Science indicated that electrical charges are generated when rock fragments, ash, and ice particles in a volcanic plume collide and produce static charges, just as ice particles collide in regular thunderstorms.
Iridescent Clouds
Iridescent clouds are a diffraction phenomenon caused by small water droplets or small ice crystals individually scattering light.
Source: spaceweather.com
Slow Motion Lightning -- 1 second slowed to 3 minutes
You would be surprised how much actually goes on before a lightning strike occurs. All imperceptible to human eyes of course, because sadly, we can't see in 5,000 frames/second.
Check out this one too, where it shows positive streamers, because they are just awesome.
the-science-llama reblogged
A humbling map of real-time wind patterns in Tornado Alley “Wind Map” is a stunning interactive data visualization that presents wind patterns across the continental U.S. in real time. Picture above is what it looked like last night at 10:59 CDT, in the aftermath of yesterday’s devastating Oklahoma tornado.” Read more here from io9.