Lichtenberg figures

Lichtenberg figures are branching electrical discharges. They are produced naturally by lightning and artificially in the laboratory, either for experimental or artistic purposes. The images above show the figures in acrylic materials as objects d'art, on a golf course, and on the skin of a man stuck by lightning. The last one just amazes me.

For an extensive discussion of the science behind these, go to the Stoneridge Engineering website, which also sells the acrylic ones. Credit for finding and posting the link goes to Munterwegs (danke!).