science / Real

Can lightning get hotter than the Sun's surface?

Yes. NOAA explains that lightning can heat nearby air to around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Claim

Lightning can heat the air around it hotter than the surface of the Sun.

The Answer

The Sun's visible surface is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, while NOAA's lightning safety materials describe lightning heating air to around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why This Is Surprising

It sounds like the kind of claim that races around social feeds without context. The source trail matters because the best version of the wonder is the verified one.

How We Checked It

We looked for an authoritative primary source, checked the wording against at least one credible secondary source when available, and recorded the last review date.

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