Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
NewsCut
Bob Collins

Lightning’s beauty up close

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Here's the "money shot" from the storms that moved through the Midwest yesterday. Scott Olson at Getty Images grabbed the moment the lightning hit the former Sears tower.

I've left it in its original size for your viewing pleasure.

Lightning hits Willis Tower
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 12: Lightning strikes the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in downtown on June 12, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. A massive storm system with heavy rain, high winds, hail and possible tornadoes is expected to move into Illinois and much of the central part of the Midwest today. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

What are the odds of getting the shot? Apparently pretty good.

It happened in 2007...

It happened in 2010 -- a three-fer

And 2011...

It's estimated lightning strikes the tower around 50 times a year. It's never been damaged. It's designed to channel the energy into the ground.

Theoretically, since the lightning seeks the tallest object, we should see more pictures of tall buildings in Saint Paul and Minneapolis getting similarly tased. I've never seen one.

Who's got one they'd like to share. I believe with our new system, you can post images in the comments section.

Related: The University of Wisconsin's Space Science and Engineering Center has put a time-lapse video together from the GOES-14 satellite of yesterday's storms.