Lightning Detection
Blitzortung.org
Coverage: Global (community sensors) · Update frequency: Real-time · Format: JSON/WebSocket
Overview
Blitzortung.org operates a community network of lightning detectors that use time-of-arrival methods to locate lightning strikes. The network covers most of Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania.
How Sentinela Uses This Data
Lightning strikes are displayed as markers that fade over time (last 30 minutes shown). Recent strikes appear brighter. This helps track thunderstorm movement and intensity.
Data Processing
We fetch recent strike data from Blitzortung every few minutes. Strikes are displayed with timestamps and fade based on age to show storm progression.
Limitations & Considerations
Detection accuracy varies by region based on sensor density. Some strikes may not be detected or may have position errors of several kilometers. Cloud-to-cloud lightning is not reliably detected.