Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: Mulanga Mulaudzi on 23/11/2010 15:30:03

Title: Why do some people cover mirrors when it thunders?
Post by: Mulanga Mulaudzi on 23/11/2010 15:30:03

Mulanga Mulaudzi  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Greetings,why do some people cover mirrors with towels during a lightning strike?

What do you think?

Title: Why do some people cover mirrors when it thunders?
Post by: Karen W. on 24/11/2010 07:28:42

I am wondering why also . I did not know they did.. perhaps the mirror would reflect a lighting strike and bounce the bolt in another direction..,,seriously that is just a thought.. could someone else explain?
 I am sure I am wrong but usually a mirror reflects light back into a room so maybe its possible to do the same with a lightening bolt???

Title: Why do some people cover mirrors when it thunders?
Post by: JP on 24/11/2010 09:57:35

A mirror does reflect light, but the lightning bolt is made up of electrical current.  It's true a mirror has a little bit of metal in it, but not nearly enough to do much to a lightning bolt. 

I suspect the reason to cover mirrors is largely superstition.  If covering things with cloth really protected them from lightning, you put a blanket over your head during a thunderstorm for protection.

Title: Why do some people cover mirrors when it thunders?
Post by: Karen W. on 02/12/2010 12:12:05

Thanks JP.. I had never heard of anyone covering mirrors during lightening storms.

Title: Why do some people cover mirrors when it thunders?
Post by: yor_on on 03/12/2010 02:27:00

Weird stuff.. (http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/tales62.html) 

I use my duck as protection myself hiding in the bathtub.
As any sane person would?