Lightning Strikes the Same Place Twice—Often

Contrary to the famous saying, lightning frequently strikes the same location multiple times. The Empire State Building is struck by lightning approximately 20-25 times per year, and the Eiffel Tower experiences similar frequency. This happens because lightning is attracted to tall structures and conductive materials that protrude from the landscape. When lightning strikes, it follows the path of least electrical resistance, and these landmarks remain the optimal targets during thunderstorms. In fact, some locations are struck so regularly that they've become natural lightning laboratories for scientific research. Roy Sullivan, a park ranger in Virginia, was struck by lightning a remarkable seven times between 1969 and 1977, surviving each strike. Lightning can reach temperatures of 30,000 Kelvin—hotter than the surface of the sun. The repeated strikes on tall structures have led to the development of sophisticated lightning protection systems and grounding techniques that save lives and protect infrastructure worldwide. Understanding this phenomenon has revolutionized how engineers design buildings in lightning-prone regions.