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Lightning Model

Photo: Man-made lightning striking a model power line

This Month in Photo of the Day: Most Popular Photos From 2009

Westinghouse engineers use this miniature system for tests. Upper wires detour the three-million-volt harmlessly to the ground. Lower wires, which carry the power load, are thereby protected against lightning, which might shut off the current or damage equipment. Even the cows are man-made.

From the National Geographic book The Image Collection.