Lightning is a simple application that takes the drugework out of calculating how far away a lightning storm is. Sounds travels at approximately 1100 feet per second. So it takes about 5 seconds to travel 1 mile. This little app takes the work out of calculating that distance.
Due to the way sound travels through the atmosphere, this method isn't much good over 20 miles. So the timer will stop at that point.
This will also work for fireworks, or other explosive events (say, an episode of MythBusters). Due to the 20-mile limit, it is not recommended to use this application to determine the distance of a nuclear explosion...
Before the flash
This is the main screen. Just wait for the flash of lightning, and tap the top button. The timer will start and the disatnce number will start counting up.
When you hear that first peale of thunder, tap the bottom button. The timer will stop, and your approximate distance from the lightning strike will be displayed.
You can also start and stop the timer by pressing the Camera button, or the trackball/D-Pad (if your phone has either or both of these).
Pressing Home will stop and reset the timer before the app exits. Pressing the Menu button will also stop the timer.
If you press the top button again while the timer is running, the count will reset to 0 and then continue. This is useful if there were multiple flashes of lightning, and you want to calculate from the last one instead of the first.
In the danger zone
According to guidelines published by the National Lightning Saftey Institute (
link),
you should suspend outdoor activities and take cover when lightning is within 6 miles. The distance numbers display in red with in this zone.
This is not to imply that you're safe outside of the 6 mile zone. People and objects have been struck by lightning nearly 30 miles from the visible storm center. So take extreme care whenever you hear the rumble in the sky.
History is made
Each time you stop the timer, Lightning will record the distance measurement and date/time in it's History list. It will keep the last 10 measurements, which will persist until you press the Clear button.
At the bottom of the list, is a clock that records how long it's been since your last time entry. This clock will continue counting, even if you press Clear.
Here are some links to lightning safety and other weather-related information (Note: we are not responsible for the content of any external sites):
The cool background photo is from the Flick user "phatman":
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