Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through Popular Science's website.
Lightning is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon. The way it lights up the night sky with bolts of searing electricity is, well, electrifying. But anyone who has ever experienced the shock and awe of a nearby lightning strike knows it’s much more than a free light show—lightning demands respect. So before summer storm season starts in earnest, take a moment to learn about lightning safety so you can protect yourself when the clouds roll in.