The appearance of Lichtenberg: figures on the body

Lichtenberg figures were initially considered as an object of studying the physical properties of lightning, which will help to clarify the nature of electric fluids. The fact is that spark channels have high temperature and pressure drops, because of what the surface, subjected to discharge, is deformed, forming unusual figures. After many years, this definition began to correlate with the unusual and completely unexplored phenomenon of the appearance of similar figures on the human body.

The phenomenon of Lichtenberg

For the first time such a phenomenon as Lichtenberg's figure, was used by the scientist Peters in 1924. During the manufacture of the device recording the wave characteristics (a cadonograph), Peters studied the process of the appearance of Lichtenberg figures from the formation of the nucleus and the formation of branched rays. Subsequently, the clinonograph was used to determine the wave voltage. 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 subjected to the slightest influence of stress, a corona begins to form from the nucleus or tip due to ionization. When this phenomenon is imprinted on a photographic plate, visible and invisible radiation is formed, which is the impetus for the distribution of filamentary rays from the point. The same effect is also observed in the reaction of silver salts on photographic paper. After this action, free electrons leave the nucleus and cause photochemical processes. This is the physical picture of the phenomenon called Lichtenberg's figure. It has found application in various fields of science.

Figures of Lichtenberg on the body

Not so often the terms from physics become relevant for 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 bolt having a shock wave pressure of about 0.025 MPa falls into the human body, the same happens as when exposed to an electric current. The victim does not stand such a power, the body experiences a serious shock. The palpitation in most cases stops, which leads to a fatal outcome. Disabling vital body functions is the result of lightning attacks on the centers of the medulla oblongata.

In rare cases, a person remains alive. On the body are visible light pink treelike traces. In some places, burns are clearly visible blisters and redness. This phenomenon has the name "Lichtenberg figures on the body." Experts hold different opinions about this fact. Most often you can find the following reason for the appearance of traces of lightning: the place of contact of the electric current and the human skin is the load on the capillaries. Blood vessels do not withstand such a strong effect and begin to increase in size (swell). When the walls of the vessels are stretched to the maximum, the capillaries crack and tear. Because of this, Lichtenberg's figures are formed.

Application of Lichtenberg figures

Today, the electric phenomenon is used not only in science, but also in the field of souvenirs. Figures of Lichtenberg, photos of which often become objects of art, are especially popular as a gift.

The creation of spheres and cubes with the Lichtenberg rays contained inside practically does not differ from the natural effect, only the flow of current takes place by artificial means.

Man-lightning rod

The falling of lightning in a person is always accompanied by mystery, as in rare cases the victim remains unharmed. So, for example, the American celebrity Roy Sullivan, nicknamed the man-lightning rod, was struck 7 times by a lightning strike and 7 times managed to escape. For such a unique feature, Roy was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Unfortunately, the fact that it was not possible to make lightning, carried out by Sullivan himself. Unable to withstand loneliness, he committed suicide at the age of 71 years.