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Catatumbo Lightning: Nature's Never-Ending Storm Show

A natural marvel known as the Catatumbo Lightning in Venezuela, a storm containing millions of lightning strikes has been raging for hundreds of years.

Fun Fact Image - Catatumbo Lightning: Nature's Never-Ending Storm Show

One of Mother Nature's most spectacular light shows can be seen over the Catatumbo River in Venezuela. The 'Lighthouse of Maracaibo,' better known internationally as the Catatumbo Lightning, is a unique meteorological phenomenon between 140 and 260 days per year. For 8 hours every night, within a cloud cell that hovers between two and seven miles above the wetland's surface, up to almost 3000 flashes of energy-charged lightning create an awe-inspiring spectacle. The likelihood that this spot would have such concentrated and regular electrical storms required quite exceptional conditions: warm and humid air from both the Caribbean Sea and Lake Maracaibo; unique mountainous topography surrounding it; swampy terrain that produces enormous amounts of methane; all these factors combine to create the perfect Petri dish for gigantic, thunderless electric storms. This phenomenon has been recognized since ancient times and was historically used by mariners as a navigational lighthouse (hence its name). During colonial times, it thwarted an English pirate attack when it illuminated the lake to expose their vessels. Therefore, not only is it a natural wonder, but it is also of significant historical importance. In terms of scientific significance, its nearly continuous operation throughout the year has helped Ecuador accumulate some vital climate data—which is now analyzed by organizations such as NOAA. It may also be necessary to understand how atmospheric electricity may be related to other types of weather change. The persistent perpetuation of this storm makes it one-of-a-kind on Earth—inaugurating Venezuela into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2015 as the site with the 'highest concentration of lightning per square kilometer each year' worldwide.

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