Lightning: Fire from the Sky ()

Synopsis:
Lightning has fascinated humankind since prehistoric man hid in caves when thunder pealed overhead. The complex physics of lightning strikes come to life -- from the chain of events that precipitate them to their effects on the human body and property. Stories about those who pioneered lightning research and first person accounts of incidents involving this phenomenon will be told. Various forms of lightning will be examined, as well as new developments in research, predicting strikes, and prevention.

Craig Smith, Ph.D. has been involved in the field of electrical energy his entire career, having designed, built, or conducted tests and research on nearly every type of electrical generating facility. Formerly the assistant director of the Nuclear Energy Laboratory at UCLA, he co-founded ANCO Engineers, Inc. and served as vice president of Daniel, Mann, Johnson, and Mendelhall. A book signing will follow the program.

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