15 Types of Blue Lightning vs. Regular Lightning: Latest Scientific Discoveries

14. Bipolar Events: The Jekyll and Hyde of Lightning

A special class of blue lightning, bipolar occurrences shows both positive and negative polarity within the same discharge. Unlike ordinary lightning, which usually has a single polarity (either positive or negative), bipolar discharges flip polarity mid-stroke to produce a visually arresting and complicated phenomenon. Recent studies employing sophisticated lightning mapping arrays have revealed that bipolar events often combine intra-cloud discharges with cloud-to- ground effects. The first stroke might start with one polarity; later branches or return strokes might start with the opposite polarity. Among the most important consequences of bipolar occurrences is their possible influence on systems of lightning protection. Conventions for traditional lightning rods and protection systems are based on single-polarity discharge theory. The identification of bipolar events has caused researchers and engineers to rethink and maybe change lightning protection plans to fit these more complicated discharge patterns.