Lichtenberg figures were initially considered as an object of study of the physical properties of lightning, which will help to clarify the nature of electric fluids. The fact is that the spark channels have high temperature and pressure drops, due to which the surface, which has undergone a discharge, is deformed, forming unusual shapes. Many years later, this definition began to be correlated with the unusual and completely unexplored phenomenon of the appearance of similar figures on the human body.
The phenomenon of Lichtenberg
For the first time such a phenomenon as Lichtenberg figures was used by the scientist Peters in 1924. During the manufacture of a device that records the characteristic of waves (klidonograph), Peters studied the process of the appearance of Lichtenberg figures from the formation of the nucleus and the formation of branched rays. Subsequently, the klidonograph began to be used to determine the voltage of the waves. Peters explained the physical picture of the emergence of negative and positive figures discovered by a German physicist.
Physical picture
As soon as the field is subjected to the slightest stress, a corona begins to form from the nucleus or tip due to ionization. When this phenomenon is captured, visible and invisible radiation is formed on the photographic plate, which is the impetus for the propagation of filamentous rays from the tip. The same effect is also observed during the reaction of silver salts on photo paper. After this action, free electrons leave the limits of the nucleus and cause photochemical processes. Such is the physical picture of a phenomenon called the Lichtenberg figure. It has found application in various fields of science.
Lichtenberg figures on the body
Not so often, the terms in physics become relevant to the everyday life of ordinary citizens. But the concept of Lichtenberg figures is also used to determine the consequences of a lightning strike on a person. When a lightning strike, having a shock wave pressure of about 0.025 MPa, enters the human body, the same thing happens as when exposed to electric current. The victim does not withstand such power, the body experiences a serious shock. The heartbeat stops in most cases, which leads to death. Disabling vital functions of the body is the result of a lightning attack on the centers of the medulla oblongata.
In rare cases, a person remains alive. Light pink tree-like traces are visible on the body. In some places of the burn blisters and redness are clearly visible. This phenomenon is called "Lichtenberg figures on the body." Experts have different opinions regarding this fact. Most often, the following reason for the appearance of traces of lightning can be found: in the place of contact of electric current and human skin, a capillary is loaded. Blood vessels do not withstand such a strong impact and begin to increase in size (swell). When the walls of the vessels are stretched to the maximum, the capillaries crack and burst. Because of this, Lichtenberg figures are formed.
The use of Lichtenberg figures
Today, the electrical phenomenon is used not only in science, but also in the field of souvenir products. Lichtenberg's figures, whose photos often become objects of art, are especially popular as a gift.
The creation of spheres and cubes with the Lichtenberg rays contained inside practically does not differ from the natural effect, only the current is supplied artificially.
Lightning rod man
A lightning strike in a person is always accompanied by mystery, since in rare cases the victim remains safe and sound. For example, the American celebrity Roy Sullivan, nicknamed the man by the lightning rod, was struck 7 times by a lightning strike and 7 times managed to escape. For such a unique feature, Roy was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Unfortunately, the fact that the lightning failed to be done was carried out by Sullivan himself. Unable to stand loneliness, he committed suicide at the age of 71.