Although this place is constantly struck by lightning, tourists from all over the world still flock to witness this rare sight.The special thing is that lightning only strikes at the same place and time and repeats it for 300 days every year. It was when sunset fell on Lake Maracaibo – a large brackish lake in northwestern Venezuela – and when high winds picked up, thunder and lightning began to tear through the sky. For many years, locals often have to witness the “rage” of nature with lightning storms raging for about 10 hours every night.
Because thousands of lightning bolts descend each night, the sky at Lake Maracaibo is almost always bright. Locals also take advantage of this light to determine the direction when sailing in the dark. The Guinness Book of World Records awarded Lake Maracaibo the title of “world’s most struck by lightning”.
Strangely, the land is struck by lightning 28 times per minute, a year 300 days of ‘rage’ – 1The Guinness Book of Records awarded Lake Maracaibo the title of “World’s most lightning-hit place”. (Photo: AS)
Lightning bolts have been used by sailors as natural landmarks for centuries. They called them “Maracaibo Beacons”, or “Catatumbo Lightning”. People can see lightning in this area when standing more than 400 km away.
The time of the year when Lake Maracaibo is hit the most by lightning is in October. That’s when a series of storms bring heavy rain and thunder. At one point, this place suffered up to 28 lightning strikes a minute – enough energy to light 100 million light bulbs.
Experts have spent years trying to find the answer to this particular phenomenon. There is a theory that around Lake Maracaibo there are many uranium mines, so it sucks thunder. However, because of the lack of evidence, this argument was rejected.
Later, scientists suggested that the air above Lake Maracaibo increased its conductivity due to methane gas rising from the petroleum deposits below. When the ionized methane meets colder air from the mountains, the two currents meet, creating a large positive charge that is released in the form of a lightning bolt.
Strangely, the land is struck by lightning 28 times per minute, a year 300 days of ‘rage’ – 2Every 300 days, Lake Maracaibo is hit by lightning. (Photo: AS)
In addition, the topography and unique wind patterns in the area also contribute to this phenomenon. Maracaibo lightning originates from large storm clouds at an altitude of over 5,000m. Depending on the humidity of the air in different nights, the lightning that appears in the Maracaibo Lake area has different colors.
When the air humidity is high, lightning flashes red, pink, orange to purple. When the air humidity is low, the lightning will be white. In one evening, people can see lightning bolts of various colors.
Therefore, more and more intrepid tourists flock to this place to witness the spectacular light and sound “performance” of heaven and earth. Many people are amazed and excited to see this special phenomenon.
Some scientists even revealed that the best time to see the unique lightning appearing in Lake Maracaibo is between September and November every year.
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