This composite map of satellite images indicates lightning activity around the world. Near-infrared optical sensors on two satellites detect changes in the tops of clouds. The changes, undetectable by the human eye, are translated into color codes that indicate the frequency of strikes. Black, red, and orange denote the most lightning strikes. Blue, violet, gray, and white reveal the least. Central Africa, as can be seen, is the region of the world that is most prone to lightning (see story for explanation).

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