Visual confirmation of the junction process in lightning discharges

An unusual opportunity to observe the incloud and out-of-cloud paths of lightning was afforded the writers on the night of August 30, 1958. Atmospheric electricity measurements were in progress on Socorro Mountain (alt. 7200 ft msl), near Socorro, New Mexico, when a very active line of thunderstorms, subtending an angle of perhaps 70°, developed about 40 to 70 miles to the south and east. The mountain peak affords an excellent view in this direction, and on this occasion no intervening clouds obstructed the view. The writers were amazed at the detailed spectacle which unfolded before them.