Fact Check: Lightning never strikes the same place twice

Fact Check: "Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice"

What We Know

The claim that "lightning never strikes the same place twice" is a widely held belief, but it is factually incorrect. According to the CDC, lightning can and often does strike the same place multiple times, particularly if the location is a tall, isolated object. For example, the Empire State Building is struck by lightning approximately 23 times each year. This phenomenon occurs because lightning is attracted to tall structures, which provide a path for the electrical discharge.

Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirms that lightning can strike the same place repeatedly, emphasizing that this is especially true for tall and isolated objects. The National Weather Service also supports this fact, noting that the Empire State Building is a prime example of a structure that frequently experiences lightning strikes.

Analysis

The assertion that lightning never strikes the same place twice is a myth that has been debunked by multiple reputable sources. The CDC and NOAA provide scientific explanations and examples that illustrate how lightning tends to strike tall structures repeatedly. The reliability of these sources is high, as they are authoritative organizations focused on public health and safety, and they base their information on extensive research and data.

Moreover, the Britannica and NASA also provide corroborating evidence that lightning can strike the same location multiple times, further reinforcing the validity of the claim that lightning does not adhere to the notion of only striking once per location.

Contradictory claims may arise from anecdotal beliefs or cultural sayings, but these lack scientific backing. The consistent findings across multiple scientific and educational platforms illustrate a clear consensus that the original claim is false.

Conclusion

The claim that "lightning never strikes the same place twice" is False. Evidence from multiple credible sources demonstrates that lightning can and does strike the same location repeatedly, particularly in the case of tall and isolated structures. This myth likely persists due to cultural sayings and misunderstandings about the nature of lightning.

Sources

1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lightning
2. 5 striking facts versus myths about lightning you should know
3. Lightning Myths - National Weather Service
4. Lightning Often Strikes Twice
5. Can Lightning Strike the Same Place Twice? | Britannica
6. Lightning safety: 10 myths—and the facts
7. Lightning Doesn't Strike the Same Place Twice myth - Fact / Myth
8. MythBuster: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice