by Skligmund » Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:38 am
Where does the term "St. Elmo's Fire" come from?
St. Elmo is actually a derivative of St. Erasmus, an early Christian martyr and the patron saint of sailors. During rough weather, frightened seamen interpreted the blue glow around the tops of the masts as a sign of his protection. Not a song by Demi Moore or Rob Lowe.
What is it caused by?
High voltage in the air, usually during the most severe part of a thunderstorm or slightly after. Not by 80's radio stations.
In early aviation, what was the problem(s) it caused, and how is it now solved?
Sounds like an electrical grounding issue to me, lighting fires on fabric aircraft with no electrical bonding straps. Not that they didin't have 8-track players or portable LP players installed.
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