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An Expert Corrects Neil on His Explanation of Lightning

2025-06-12 Science & Technology
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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

2.8k 46 replies
@PaburoDesu 2025-06-12

Please give this man a complete episode.

2.3k 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.

1.9k 21 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.

958 19 replies
@Marvelousdadj 2025-06-13

Whoever edited this video needs a raise

539 6 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!

523 101 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 💯

373 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.

352 10 replies
@jean-marcknight8816 2026-01-01

This was the most "enlightning" StarTalk video 😉

90 2 replies
@Jason-se1ke 2025-10-08

I've loved NDT for a long time, but I really really respect a guy who's humble enough to bring an expert on his show only to correct him. Zero pushback. Zero ego. Just looking to increase in knowledge. We need way more of that in society.

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