Why Everything Sparks During a Mount Everest Expedition
In the dry, thin air near the Mount Everest summit, static electricity builds up to extreme levels. Seeing blue sparks in your tent is a surreal part of the Mount Everest expedition experience.
The lack of humidity means there is no moisture to ground the electrical charge. Simple actions like moving in your sleeping bag create massive static during Everest trekking peaks.
Static can interfere with delicate sensors on cameras and pulse oximeters. Mount Everest expedition members often touch a piece of metal to 'discharge' before handling their gear near the summit.
An increase in static can sometimes signal a change in the electrical charge of the atmosphere, warning of approaching storms near the Mount Everest summit. It’s nature’s own early-warning system.
The electrical nature of the Himalayas is another reminder of the extreme forces at play. Embrace the sparks as part of the unique Mount Everest expedition atmosphere.
