# What causes thunder and lightening? Science Short

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/squiz-kids-886280/what-causes-thunder-and-lightening-science-short
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/squiz-kids-886280/what-causes-thunder-and-lightening-science-short.md
Podcast: [Squiz Kids](https://stenobird.com/podcast/squiz-kids-886280)
Published: 2026-04-25T19:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/STHZE1490239472.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/STHZE1490239472.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/squiz-kids-886280/episodes/what-causes-thunder-and-lightening-science-short
Duration seconds: 211

## Resource

What’s really going on when the sky flashes and booms during a storm? ⚡🌩️ In this Science Short, inspired by a question from Squiz Kid Clancy in Lindfield, we unpack the science behind thunder and lightning. Along the way, we’ll explore lightning as a giant spark, thunder as a shockwave (a bit like a mini sonic boom), what plasma is (yep — a fourth state of matter!), and why counting seconds after a flash can tell you how far away a storm is. Plus — what to do to stay safe, and why hair standing on end is a sign to move fast.

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## Transcript

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