#290. Jeff Thayer is a physicist, and back in the Space Shuttle days, studied and designed lightning defense systems for NASA to protect the Shuttle and other NASA rockets while they sat, vulnerable, tall metal objects on the launchpad in otherwise flat Florida. Jeff is also an avid sailor, and couldn't help but get in touch when he heard Andy talking about lightning on the podcast. Guest host August Sandberg dives deep with Jeff on the physics of lightning at sea in this very interesting and technical discussion. -- Join 59º North LIVE! During the coronavirus lockdown we're hosting FREE Live Sessions, 1-2 hour topical discussions on all things ocean sailing. From Offshore Weather Fundamentals to Dyneema Splicing, Live Interviews & more. It's highly interactive - audience members can come on screen to ask questions, chat, etc. It's a blast! Check out 59-north.com/live to learn more and see the LIVE Session schedule! -- ON THE WIND is presented by Sailing Yacht Power Solutions - makers of the revolutionary power generation solution that eliminates the need for a separate generator and uses your current engine installation. Contact S/Y Power Solutions at Info@sypowers.com -- ON THE WIND is also supported by Weems & Plath, makers of fine nautical & weather instruments since 1928, And Chesapeake Sailmakers, Local Annapolis based sailmaker, and distributer of Elvstrom Sails.