10 Famous Blue Lightning Strike Events in History, with the 5th Still Unexplained!

9. The Blue Lightning Storm of the Eyjafjallajökull Eruption (2010)

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Along with upsetting European air travel when Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in 2010, its ash plume created an amazing display of blue lightning. Observers saw an almost constant blue-tinged lightning bolt appear across the dark volcanic clouds for several weeks. This extended occurrence gave researchers an unheard-of chance to closely examine volcanic lightning. Researchers found that the interaction of electrical discharges with sulphur compounds and other gases expelled by the volcano most likely produced the blue colour. It was discovered that the frequency and intensity of the lightning matched the eruptive activity of the volcano, implying that one might monitor volcanic eruptions using lightning detection. Apart from inspiring public imagination, the Blue Lightning Storm of Eyjafjallajökull greatly advanced our knowledge of the intricate interaction between volcanic activity and atmospheric electricity, so enabling enhanced volcanic hazard assessment and early warning systems.