Lightning of the Clock Tower in Mecca.. What is the explanation for the phenomenon of returning lightning?

Arab Weather - Mecca, home to one of the most prominent modern landmarks, the Clock Tower. This massive tower, which is part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, is not just an architectural symbol, but also a witness to amazing natural phenomena, including the returning lightning that attracts attention and raises questions about its nature and causes.

Clock Tower: A Prominent Landmark in Mecca

The Clock Tower, which is the third tallest building in the world, at a height of about 601 meters, is located in the heart of Mecca. The tower is equipped with a giant clock, which is considered the largest in the world, making it a central point in the city. This tower is a modern architectural symbol that blends with the spirituality and holiness that Mecca carries, and attracts thousands of visitors, both pilgrims and tourists alike.

• Lightning phenomenon in the clock tower

The Makkah Clock Tower has repeatedly witnessed the phenomenon of lightning that lights up the city’s night sky. This lightning is not just a beautiful sight to behold, but a natural phenomenon known as retrograde lightning .

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What is a flashback?

Reverse lightning, scientifically known as reverse lightning or upward lightning , is a type of lightning that shoots from the ground into the sky, as opposed to regular lightning that travels from the clouds to the ground. This type of lightning often occurs when there is a tall, high object, such as a clock tower, that attracts electrical charges from the clouds. The tower acts as a medium for transferring electrical charges from the ground to the clouds, resulting in lightning that starts at the top of the tower and travels toward the sky.

• How does lightning strike happen?

The phenomenon of return lightning occurs when negative electrical charges accumulate at the base of a thundercloud, and at the same time, positive electrical charges accumulate on the ground. When the difference in electrical potential between the ground and the cloud becomes large enough, an electrical discharge begins in the tower, which acts as a channel through which the electrical charges pass. The lightning moves rapidly from the top of the tower into the sky, creating a striking flash. This lightning is attributed to the high ability of the tower to attract electrical charges due to its great height.

"Returning lightning" phenomenon
Clock Tower - Mecca pic.twitter.com/U0BjaRWAoz

— Mohammed Al-Hothaly (@Mal_hothaly) August 26, 2024

Lightning protection system

Despite the beauty of this scene, lightning strikes are a phenomenon that requires caution. To protect the tower and surrounding buildings, the clock tower is equipped with a lightning protection system consisting of conductive metal rods and a grounding network to safely discharge electrical charges into the ground, ensuring the safety of the tower and visitors.

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