[Malibongwe Nqanqase]

Malibongwe Nqanqase  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris,

I have noticed with a great deal of fascination that there is a phenomenon taking place around May. I grew up in (Centane next to the beach) in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In May, we would witness what looks like lightening on the horizon of the ocean.

Surely this is not some distant lightening. Xhosa speaking people (I am Xhosa) have been observing this phenomenon and have called May, Canzibe. Canzibe is this spectacle in Xhosa but noone has explained to me fully what this is.

Malibongwe Nqanqase

What do you think?

[Karsten]

Why could it not be lightning?

[RD]

This is a photo of lightening at sea ...

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/lomokev/8191074/