By ANDREW RUANO
Staff Writer
Confined to the skies above Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo, the ceaseless streaks of Catatumbo lightning have captivated the interests of scientists, explorers and artists for centuries. For nearly half the year and up to ten hours a day, the natural methane and oil deposit-caused phenomenon can be observed in the bucolic Venezuelan horizon up to 280 times an hour. If you happen to visit Venezuela when the lightning isn’t able to be observed, fret not, while these flashes of light are technically momentary, Catatumbo lightning has manifested itself into the melody of the state’s anthem.
