Facts about Lightning

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 36, 22 March 1929, Page 3

Facts about Lightning

Investigations in U.G.A. BROADCAST listeners have a very particular interest in lightniig, which is one of the causes of static. "That the needed facts about lightning can now be obtained is attested by the great success the Westinghouse Company has had in its Chilhowee Mountain investigation, which is still progressing. Harly in the investigation there was obtained for the first time in history a complete authentic autograph of a lightning flash on an operating high voltage line. ‘The records show when it occurred, how long it lasted, how far distant the lightning was, its voltage, its effect on the power lines-in fact, everything necessary for full analysis. "It was found, for example, that the over-voltage on the line continued for 50 millionths of a second. Prior to this actual determination, we have had to guess as to the duration. "Tt was found, furthermore, that while many lightning storms may occur in a general locality, only once or at most a very few in a year will have any effect on a power line and that many of the storms near power lines are harmless. However, when they do occur, they may be very harmful. "Facts such as these are of tremendous value to scientists striving to find out how to combat lightning. If they should come in from a hundred investigations in a hundred localities, then,: and only then, could we hope for final victory over our ancient enemy, and the consequent benefits of cheaper, more reliable, and more abundant power." :