St. Elmo's Fire
St. Elmo's fire

St. Elmso's fire on a aeroplane wing
Poto: Martin Popek (Czechia)

St. Elmo's fire is a spark discharge from soaring buildings. It is generated by a high voltage between the ground and the air. St. Elmo�s fire has been observed among others from steeples, masts, mountain tops and barbed wire fences. It is very rare. When you see St. Elmo�s fire near yourself, there is a high danger of being struck by lightning. The high voltage can also show up by your hair standing on end. Although this may look "funny", you must immediately leave your position as a flash of lightning is imminent.

It seems that there are just very few photographs of St. Elmo's fire. When there is thunderstorm, just watch out for sparks going upward from steeples and TV-antennas near you.