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![Cyclone Freddy between Mozambique and Madagascar on March 8. The image was captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MALPeZZNBzsNMUqHj98vZM-320-80.jpg)
Deadly cyclone 'Freddy' may be the longest-lived and most energetic storm ever recorded
By Harry Baker published
Cyclone Freddy, which is finally dissipating after battering Southeast Africa, has crossed the entire Indian Ocean and made landfall three separate times.
![Bright multi-colored clouds shining in the night sky above Mount Jökultindur in Iceland on Jan. 25.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3maukbWixrF4WhGwvLDA9d-320-80.jpg)
Ultra-rare 'rainbow clouds' light up the Arctic Circle like auroras in stunning new photos
By Harry Baker published
Rare clouds that give off bright, multi-colored light like an aurora were recently spotted at multiple locations in the Arctic. But what causes them?
![People hurry through the Boston Common during a windy snow squall in March 2004.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d74cnBeMExZEYyZs98NNmn-320-80.jpg)
What is a squall?
By Donavyn Coffey published
There are different types of squalls, including a sudden windy cold front and a short-term burst of heavy snow and wind.
![Multiple bolts of lightning strike ground and water along a coastline in Italy. The sky is dark blue.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d7SL28x9R3cA3yDdTeestS-320-80.jpg)
Why does lightning zigzag?
By Tom Metcalfe published
The characteristic zigzag pattern of lightning is caused by a highly conductive form of oxygen that builds up as the bolt travels toward the ground.
![Fused sand from lightning or a downed power line, known as a fulgurite. This fulgurite, found in Nebraska, holds a rare material known as a quasicrystal.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/co3cijSkytGB8tZDjpQGED-320-80.jpg)
Rare, 'rule-breaking' quasicrystal found in chunk of 'fossilized' lightning
By Stephanie Pappas published
A type of crystal that breaks the rules of ordinary crystallography has been found in a tube of melted sand from Nebraska.
![Electrical discharges given off by the leaves of plants during a thunderstorm can significantly alter the surrounding air quality.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4SnYexuW3BDSg2dxqfbJjD-320-80.jpg)
Plant leaves spark with electricity during thunderstorms — and that could be altering our air quality in unpredictable ways
By Harry Baker published
During thunderstorms, leaves from trees and other plants create mini electric discharges that can significantly alter the surrounding air quality. But researchers are unsure if this is beneficial or harmful.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uFJg4MczLUVYKnqope5ryi-320-80.jpg)
Scientist Reading the Leaves to Predict Violent Weather
By Sara Goudarzi last updated
Moisture emitted by a single leaf provides clues to imminent thunderstorms and tornadoes.
![Astronaut Bob Hines captured this image of Hurricane Ian's massive eye on Sept. 28 while aboard the International Space Station.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vcZ3CK9z8aMYJ5Jj3z7fM-320-80.jpg)
Peer into Hurricane Ian’s 'eye' in this photo that an astronaut snapped from space
By Elizabeth Howell published
An International Space Station astronaut photographed Hurricane Ian as the powerful storm battered Florida. NASA, SpaceX and others have postponed launches from the Space Coast.
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