Why does thunder last for so long?

  • Thread starter Thread starter tribdog
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around an intense monsoon storm characterized by frequent and close lightning strikes, with participants reporting up to 200 strikes per minute. One user inquires about the prolonged duration of thunder, noting that it starts quietly, builds to a loud boom, and then fades, questioning the role of echoes. The conversation highlights the awe of the lightning display, comparing it to a strobe light and expressing admiration for the storm's beauty. Users share their locations in Arizona, with mentions of strong winds and significant lightning activity. There are also humorous exchanges about the irony of discussing lightning while using a computer, and concerns about potential damage to digital TV signals due to the storm. The excitement and fascination with the weather phenomenon are palpable throughout the thread.
tribdog
Messages
768
Reaction score
17
The monsoon is going nuts tonight. I am getting pounded by lightning strikes. At least one or two a minute, and they are close and loud. It's rattling the windows. I have a question, why does thunder go on for so long? I can hear it continuously for a good 10-15 seconds. I thought maybe it was just because of echos, but then I noticed that is starts quiet then booms then quiets. Echos can't get louder than the original sound can they?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sounds like you need to change your ways. :smile:
 
Sorry it was my fault. I can't go into details, but rest assured I'm making amends to the Big Guy.
 
Okay, I thought there was a lot of lightning the other night. Tonight is the most lightning EVER! It is all cloud to cloud but there are AT LEAST 100 strikes per minute. It looks like a strobe light. It looks like the second coming. It is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. There might be 200 strikes a minute. It looks like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie walking into a paparrazi convention.
 
Beautiful lightning storm here, too. Hey tribdog, are you from Arizona too?
 
I'm jealous. I love lightning.
 
Math Is Hard said:
I'm jealous. I love lightning.

What are you waiting for? If you are an engineer apply at a company in Arizona. It is a great place to be if you don't mind working for the military.
 
Yeah trib where are you? Our monsoon has been rather weak this summer..

Ironic, you keep reporting lightning, FROM A COMPUTER!
 
I'm in Mesa
 
  • #10
I'm in Tucson. You have a big one coming your way, so keep your head down (or up!). There are 60 mph winds in Benson.
 
  • #11
8340 strikes in the past hour. according to weather watch 5. 139 a minute
 
  • #12
tribdog said:
8340 strikes in the past hour. according to weather watch 5. 139 a minute

Must be fun!

I was listening to song about sky crying other day:


"Everytime the rain comes down
Close my eyes and listen
I can hear the lonesome sound
Of the sky as it cries "
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
9135 strikes and my tv just died. I don't have cable, but I get the digital channels with my rabbit ears. I sure hope all the digital channels are sent from the same antenna and it just got stuck by lightning because I can't get a signal on any channel. Hope i didn't just fry my brand new hdtv.
 
  • #14
Now I'm getting 5-1 and 5-2. they must be on a different antenna. I've lost 3-1,8-1,8-2,8-3,8-4,10-1,12-1,12-2,15-1,15-2, 45-1,45-2,51-1,51-2,51-3,51-4,61-1.
I know it's nothing compared to satellite or cable, but this free digital you get with rabbit ears are pretty cool.
 
  • #15
Get off the damn computer you goon, lol.
 
Back
Top