What’s really going on when the sky flashes and booms during a storm? ⚡🌩️

In this Science Short, inspired by a question from Squiz Kid Clancy in Lindfield, we unpack the science behind thunder and lightning.

Along the way, we’ll explore lightning as a giant spark, thunder as a shockwave (a bit like a mini sonic boom), what plasma is (yep — a fourth state of matter!), and why counting seconds after a flash can tell you how far away a storm is.

Plus — what to do to stay safe, and why hair standing on end is a sign to move fast.