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An Expert Corrects Neil on His Explanation of Lightning

2025-06-12 Science & Technology
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StarTalk
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Description

How does lightning actually work? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice get corrected on how lightning works after having gotten it wrong with lightning expert Amir Rizk. Learn about the anatomy of a lightning strike, what not to do during a lightning storm, and more. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Neil Getting Lightning Wrong 02:09 - Neil’s Incorrect Explanation 03:36 - Grounding Charges 04:48 - When Lightning Comes from the Ground 06:16 - What Happens in the Clouds 09:48 - Lightning Hitting The Tallest Object 12:23 - Anatomy of a Lightning Strike 16:44 - Closing Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Top Comments (10)

@Fruhmple 2025-06-12

Mad respect for bringing this guy on to correct something you got wrong. You guys should bring him back

2.5k 42 replies
@PaburoDesu 2025-06-12

Please give this man a complete episode.

2.2k 44 replies
@timmitchell9021 2025-06-12

Big fan of inviting the guy who corrected you onto the show. This kind of thing really earns viewer respect.

1.5k 16 replies
@vlntsolo 2025-06-12

I've studied HV physics as an electrical engineer, Amir Rizk's explanation is as precise as it gets. Hats off to this man and his father's research.

866 18 replies
@refragerator 2025-06-12

Nice to know that not only you can admit when you're not correct but also give the people that have more and very specific knowledge about that topic a platform to educate not only you but all of us. Takes greatness to admit one's wrong, takes even more greatness to acknowledge it in front of the public, takes a real swell human being at trying to educate yourself *and* the public at the same time as result. Kudos to everyone involved.

525 20 replies
@StarTalk 2025-06-12

StarTalkians, are there other topics you WISHED we'd revisit and create a refreshed episode on? Let us know in the comments below!

448 97 replies
@GilbertGagnon 2025-06-25

I never comment on these videos but really respect the fact that you invited him and actually published this episode where it shows that everyone is human and makes mistakes and you are humble enough to publicly admit this as we all keep learning 💯

254 2 replies
@RegularDudeDYI 2025-06-14

17:16 “I have never learned more from you being wrong…”, favorite quote from Chuck.

248 2 replies
@kyriskustoms2172 2025-12-01

This is why I rather respect scientists and not a social media influencer. You’re open to be corrected for the integrity of the science.

18
@LinGLong780 2026-03-14

Awesome episode, just a damn shame it was so short. Those 18 mins felt like 5 mins.

4

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