Global lightning distribution based on satellite data of variation in the average annual lightning strike frequency per square kilometre over the Earth's surface. Frequency varies from red/orange (high) through yellow, green, blue, purple and grey to white (low). The data was collected by two sensors on satellites in low-Earth orbit, the Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS). Measuring lightning-induced near-infrared changes in clouds revealed lightning 'hotspots', including Florida, USA (upper left), Central Africa (centre) and the Himalayas (upper right). Map compiled by scientists at the National Space Science and Technology Center, USA.

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