How, and why, are lightning strikes happening? Explain in simple terms.
Lightning strikes happen because of the buildup of electrical charges in the atmosphere. Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises and cools, forming clouds. As the cloud grows taller, its bottom becomes negatively charged while its top becomes positively charged. This creates a separation of electrical charges within the cloud, and between the cloud and the ground.

As the separation of charges becomes more pronounced, a spark can occur between the negatively charged bottom of the cloud and the positively charged ground. This spark is a lightning strike. The lightning strike carries an electric current from the cloud to the ground and releases a large amount of energy in the form of light and heat.

Why does this separation of charges happen? It is due to the movement of charged particles within the cloud. The particles collide with each other, causing some to become positively charged and others to become negatively charged. This separation of charges within the cloud leads to the buildup of electrical potential that can eventually result in a lightning strike.

In simple terms, lightning strikes are the result of a buildup of electrical charges in the atmosphere that is released as a spark of light and heat in the form of a lightning strike.
Could you explain this again as if I was a eight year old?
Lightning is a natural phenomenon that happens when electricity travels from the clouds to the ground.

You know how static electricity can make your hair stand up when you touch a doorknob after rubbing your socks on the carpet? Well, lightning is just like that, but much, much bigger and much more powerful!

Lightning is created inside clouds. When the electric charges build up and become strong enough, they move from the clouds to the ground, creating a lightning bolt. This lightning bolt can be very hot and release a lot of energy, which is why you can see a bright flash and hear a loud thunder when lightning strikes.

It's important to remember to never stand near tall objects or go outside when it's thundering and lightning outside. Stay indoors and stay safe!