All about Lightning
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Book Overview
Does lightning strike twice in the same place? How does a lightning rod work? What is ball lightning? How many thunderstorms are in progress in the world at any one time? Why does lightning zigzag? What is St. Elmo's Fire? These and many more often-asked questions about lightning are answered in this fascinating and informative guide for the layman, presented in an easy-to-follow question-and-answer format. One of nature's most awesome phenomena, lightning has intrigued man since earliest times. In this book, a noted scientist and expert on lightning dispels many misconceptions while offering a wealth of scientific and technical information about the nature of lightning and its effects. You'll discover how Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning was electrical, how to protect yourself from lightning, how to photograph lightning (it's not difficult), the possible relationship between ball lightning and UFOs, what to do for a person struck by lightning, the nature of sheet lightning, ribbon lightning, bead lightning and other variations, and much more. While the overall approach is nontechnical, Dr. U man has incorporated scientific data in the answers in such a way that laymen will find the book a near-painless introduction to current scientific knowledge about lightning. Simple, well-drawn diagrams illuminate the text, along with a selection of spectacular lightning photographs, including a remarkable image of 5 lightning bolts produced by the explosion of the first thermonuclear device. In addition, each chapter contains a list of references cited in the text which suggest further reading for anyone interested in finding out more about earth's dazzling atmospheric fireworks.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:048625237X
ISBN13:9780486252377
Release Date:January 1987
Publisher:Dover Publications
Length:192 Pages
Weight:0.49 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 5.4" x 8.4"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Best book to learn about lightning and related subjects
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Within my awareness, this is the best author on the physics of lightning (voltage, current, charge, speed, event sequence, frequency of occurrence, length/width of channel, temperature, etc). Related subjects such as injuries, death rate, damage, protection, thunderstorms, harnessing power, etc are also discussed. The book could use updating with data acquired in the last 16 years (1986-2002). An improvement to the book could be more info on lightning protection. Another book by Uman, 'Lightning', is less general and more technical about the physics of lightning.
Interesting book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I recommend this book to all who have any interest in natural science. I was personally surprised at how interesting of a read this book was. Ulman did well brining to "light" topics that have plagued me about lightning since my childhood. He also satiated my engineering taste for technical aspects of the electrical phenomena. Photographs and diagrams add well to the text and support the facts presented without overburdening the reader with too much information.
Well Done.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Martin Umans book of, what I would call an intro to lightning (if there is such a thing). I dont claim to be a scientist or know much about the weather, however I found many of Umans boo fascinating as his writing was clear and easy to understand. Some of the technical aspects were a little above me, yet learning about the different kinds of lightning, what lightning does and what is typical to expect from lightning I found very...well....enlightening (sorry about the pun). I found it to be a fun book that was a delight to read.
Lightning Explained Simply
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
Dr. Uman's book is excellent! It gives clear, concise answers about what we know (and don't know) about Lightning in the form of question and answer essays. Includes special topics, such as Ball Lightning as well as ways to keep yourself safe during electrical storms. Extensive bibliography -- very useful for any laymen who is interested in the subject.
A brilliant book! It makes your world a little bit bigger!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
Clear, concise, entertaining. Uman takes on the 50 most common questions about lightning and gives explanations in plain English. It's rather like a whiteboard conversation with a skilled teacher. Backed up by his vastly more technical monograph (published separately, more a 1st year graduate student book) Uman can give you new eyes for an everyday experience. This is a quick read and an excellent choice for introducing young adults into science
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