mysterious green mast

Karletto · #1 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

i am watching the lightning thread and i remembered this ->

i've heard that you can get a green light around the mast couse of electricity in the air; sorry don't know the translation for this green light thing

i saw it in an old movie as a kid but i hear it from a sailor too that can happen in reality

:/

is this only a legend or is it true? i know that an old electric panel/ contact can have green powder and transform electric contact into an insulator

jr438234606 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

Isn't this called St. Elmo's fire?

Karletto · #3 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

tnx St. Elmo's fire; but i will consider it a myth

CharlieCobra · #4 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

I've not seen it yet m'self but know someone who did.

bubb2 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

It is no myth

St. Elmo's fire - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

Not a myth, but often a dangerous pre-cursor to a lightning strike.

YMMV.

capn_dave · #7 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

Been there done that. It's not really green more of a blue color.

Fair Winds
Cap'n Dave

Hartley18 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by capn_dave

Been there done that. It's not really green more of a blue color.

Fair Winds
Cap'n Dave

Actually, the colour varies depending upon air pressure and presence of dust or smog, amongst other things.

It used to be more common in the days of tall ships - high, insulated, masts that didn't conduct the static charge before it got a chance to build up.

One thing is for certain: You will never see it on a grounded boat.

blt2ski · #9 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008

I hope I never see it on a grounded boat, being grounded would be a very bad thing!.............oh, we are not diCUSSing that type of grounding you say?!?!?! electrical grounded........ok, I will had back to my cave now thank you very much!

I would also swag, this is not the same thing as the "green flash" at sunset/rise?

marty

Hartley18 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by blt2ski

I hope I never see it on a grounded boat, being grounded would be a very bad thing!.............oh, we are not diCUSSing that type of grounding you say?!?!?! electrical grounded........ok, I will had back to my cave now thank you very much!

LOL. Marty, your input is greatly appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blt2ski

I would also swag, this is not the same thing as the "green flash" at sunset/rise?

marty

No, it's not - but of course you knew that already.

Cameron