Evidence found of lightning on Mars

[anon]

U.S. scientists say they have detected the first direct evidence of lightning occurring on Mars.

University of Michigan researchers said they found signs of electrical discharges during dust storms on the red planet. The bolts were dry lightning, Professor Chris Ruf said.

"What we saw on Mars was a series of huge and sudden electrical discharges caused by a large dust storm," Ruf said. "Clearly, there was no rain associated with the electrical discharges on Mars. However, the implied possibilities are exciting."

Evidence found of lightning on Mars - UPI.com

[SealLion]

Lightening without moisture: I have heard that before. Sometimes that lightening is quite loud and sudden when you hear it as I recall from my own personal experiences.

[slikrapid]

from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_lightning

Dry lightning is a term which is used to refer to lightning strikes occurring without precipitation. The term is a technical misnomer since lightning is obviously not wet in any instance, and also because the thunderstorms which sometimes cause it actually do produce precipitation, although it does not reach the ground.

They occur when the rain produced by thunderstorms falls through a substantial layer of very dry air which evaporates the precipitation before it reaches the ground.

they are the most common natural origin of wildland fires, and they can produce strong gusty surface winds that can fan flames.