“Lightning never strikes the same place twice”

It's a common saying, often used to suggest that bad luck won't befall someone twice, but the idea that lightning avoids a previously struck spot is a widespread misconception. This enduring myth likely originates from the human tendency to observe individual, seemingly random events and generalize from them, coupled with the sheer unlikelihood of an individual witnessing two strikes in the exact same location. The dramatic and unpredictable nature of thunderstorms also contributes to the mystique surrounding lightning, fostering beliefs that aren't always grounded in scientific fact.

In reality, lightning is far less discerning and operates on principles of electrical conductivity. It is an electrical discharge seeking the path of least resistance between the clouds and the ground. This often means tall, isolated objects or prominent structures become repeat targets. Iconic examples like the Empire State Building in New York City are struck an astonishing 20 to 25 times annually, acting as a giant, preferred lightning rod. These frequent strikes demonstrate that once a conductive path is established, it can be utilized again and again by subsequent discharges.

The persistence of this myth is understandable when considering human experience. For most people, witnessing a lightning strike is a relatively rare and momentary event, making it seem improbable that they would ever see a second strike in the precise same spot. Furthermore, the idiom itself, "lightning never strikes twice," has become deeply ingrained in language, often used metaphorically to describe unique occurrences, which further solidifies the literal belief in many minds. However, scientific observation and instrumentation clearly show that for certain structures and locations, repeat strikes are not only possible but commonplace.