Tim Samaras has a storm in his headlights and the world’s fastest high-resolution camera in the trailer behind. Can it catch lightning in the act? Above: On the highway with the Kahuna in tow, Samaras hunts for the elusive shot. This summer he’s on the chase again, with new, nimbler equipment. Image © Carsten Peter / National Geographic
Image © Carsten Peter / National Geographic
Guided by the laptop weather map reflected in his window, Tim Samaras rushes to catch up to a dying thunderstorm. He hopes to be the first to photograph the split-second event that triggers a lightning strike.
Image © Carsten Peter
A rainbow signals the end of another chase.
Images are from the August edition of National Geographic magazine for iPad, available on the App Store
Image © Carsten Peter
As he waits for a wave of thunderstorms to form along Colorado’s Front Range, Samaras readies the 1,600-pound camera he calls the Kahuna.
Image © Carsten Peter
Taking aim at a storm with a laser, he waits for the right moment to fire up the camera. Too soon, and the device may overheat waiting for a lightning strike. Too late, and another opportunity is lost.
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