Lichtenberg figures were originally considered as an object of study of the physical properties of lightning, which will help to clarify the nature of electrical fluids. The fact is that spark channels have high temperature and pressure drops, due to which the surface subjected to a discharge is deformed, forming unusual shapes. Many years later, this definition began to be correlated with an unusual and completely unexplored phenomenon of the appearance of similar figures on the human body.
Lichtenberg Phenomenon
For the first time, such a phenomenon as the Lichtenberg figure was used by the scientist Peters in 1924. During the manufacture of a device that records the characteristics of waves (klidonograph), Peters studied the process of the appearance of Lichtenberg figures from the formation of a nucleus and the formation of branched rays. Subsequently, klidonograph began to be used to determine the voltage of the waves. Peters explained the physical picture of the emergence of negative and positive figures discovered by a German physicist.
Physical picture
As soon as the field is exposed to the slightest voltage, from the nucleus or tip, due to ionization, beginsa crown is formed. When such a phenomenon is captured on a photographic plate, visible and invisible radiation is formed, which is the impetus for the propagation of filamentous rays from the tip. The same effect is also observed in the reaction of silver s alts on photographic paper. After such exposure, free electrons leave the nucleus and cause photochemical processes. This is the physical picture of the phenomenon called the Lichtenberg figure. It has found application in various fields of science.
Lichtenberg figures on the body
It is not often that terms from physics become relevant to the everyday life of ordinary citizens. But the concept of Lichtenberg figures is also used to determine the consequences of a lightning strike on a person. When a lightning discharge, having a shock wave pressure of approximately 0.025 MPa, enters the human body, the same thing happens as when exposed to electric current. The victim cannot withstand such power, the body experiences a serious shock. The heartbeat in most cases stops, which leads to death. Shutting down the vital functions of the body is the result of a lightning attack on the centers of the medulla oblongata. In rare cases, a person remains alive. Light pink tree-like traces are visible on the body. In some places of the burn, blisters and redness are clearly visible. This phenomenon is called "Lichtenberg figures on the body." Experts have different opinions regarding this fact. Most often, you can find the following reason for the appearance of traces of lightning: at the point of contact of the electricalcurrent and human skin, there is a load on the capillaries. Blood vessels cannot withstand such a strong impact and begin to increase in size (swell). When the vessel walls are stretched to their maximum, the capillaries crack and rupture. Because of this, Lichtenberg figures are formed.
Application of Lichtenberg figures
Today, the electrical phenomenon is used not only in science, but also in the field of souvenirs. Often photographed as art, Lichtenberg's figures are especially popular as gifts.
The creation of spheres and cubes with Lichtenberg rays contained inside is practically no different from the natural effect, only the current is supplied artificially.
Lightning Rod Man
A lightning bolt hitting a person is always accompanied by mystery, because in rare cases the victim remains safe and sound. For example, the American celebrity Roy Sullivan, nicknamed the lightning rod man, was struck by lightning 7 times and managed to escape 7 times. For such a unique feature, Roy was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Unfortunately, what lightning failed to do, Sullivan himself did. Unable to bear the loneliness, he committed suicide at the age of 71.
