1. What is the Lightning Distance Calculation?

The lightning distance calculation estimates how far away a lightning strike occurred by measuring the time between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder. Sound travels at about 1 mile per 5 seconds through air.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( d \) — Distance in miles
• \( t \) — Time between lightning and thunder in seconds

Explanation: Since sound travels approximately 1 mile in 5 seconds, dividing the time by 5 gives the distance in miles.

3. Importance of Lightning Distance Calculation

Details: Knowing how far away lightning is can help determine if a storm is approaching or moving away, and is important for safety when outdoors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the time in seconds between when you see lightning and hear thunder. The time must be greater than 0 for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 5?
A: Sound travels approximately 1 mile every 5 seconds in the atmosphere at standard conditions.

Q2: How accurate is this method?
A: It provides a good estimate but can vary slightly due to atmospheric conditions like temperature and humidity.

Q3: When should I seek shelter?
A: When lightning is within 6 miles (30 seconds between flash and thunder), you should seek shelter immediately.

Q4: Does this work for all lightning?
A: This works best for cloud-to-ground lightning that you can both see and hear clearly.

Q5: Can I use kilometers instead?
A: For kilometers, the formula would be t/3 (since sound travels about 1 km in 3 seconds).