In short
In June 1752, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm in Philadelphia and proved that lightning was electricity—one of the most consequential experiments in scientific history. By drawing sparks from a key attached to the kite string, Franklin bridged the gap between natural phenomena and electrical theory, fundamentally reshaping how humans understood the physical world.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
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As it was happening
10 voices, 64283 days.
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Early electrical theory
William Gilbert coins the term 'electricity' from the Greek word for amber (elektron), but the nature of lightning remains mysterious.
Voices from this moment (1)
Early electrical theory
Jan 1
“William Gilbert coins the term 'electricity' from the Greek…”
As it was happening
10 voices, 64283 days.
Day 0 · January 1, 1600
Early electrical theory
William Gilbert coins the term 'electricity' from the Greek word for amber (elektron), but the nature of lightning remains mysterious.
“William Gilbert coins the term 'electricity' from the Greek…”
- Early electrical theory, Jan 1
Day 36525 · January 1, 1700
18th-century electrical experiments
European natural philosophers conduct early experiments with static electricity and Leyden jars, but no connection to lightning is established.
“European natural philosophers conduct early experiments…”
- 18th-century electrical experiments, Jan 1
Day 55669 · June 1, 1752
Franklin's kite experiment
Benjamin Franklin flies a kite during a thunderstorm near Philadelphia, drawing electrical sparks from a key attached to the wet string, proving lightning is electrical discharge.
“Benjamin Franklin flies a kite during a thunderstorm near…”
- Franklin's kite experiment, Jun 1
Day 55791 · October 1, 1752
First publication
Franklin's account of the experiment is published in the Pennsylvania Gazette, making the discovery public.
“Mr.…”
- The Pennsylvania Gazette, Oct 19
“Account of Mr.”
- The Gentleman's Magazine, Dec 1
“Philadelphia Experimenter Confirms Electrical Nature of…”
- Boston News-Letter, Nov 2
“Franklin's account of the experiment is published in the…”
- First publication, Oct 1
Day 55883 · January 1, 1753
Lightning rod invention
Franklin develops and installs the first lightning rods on buildings in Philadelphia, directly applying his discovery to practical safety.
“FR: 'L'experimente Americain Franklin a demontre par une…”
- Journal des Savants, Mar 15
“Franklin develops and installs the first lightning rods on…”
- Lightning rod invention, Jan 1
Day 64283 · January 1, 1776
Broader scientific acceptance
By the American Revolution, Franklin's electrical theories are accepted across the scientific community and lightning protection becomes standard practice.
“By the American Revolution, Franklin's electrical theories…”
- Broader scientific acceptance, Jan 1
Front pages.
3 outlets carried the story: The Pennsylvania Gazette, The Gentleman's Magazine, Boston News-Letter.
Media coverage
What the world was reading.
4 pieces, ranked by how much they shaped the discourse.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Newspaper · United States · Oct 19, 1752
"Mr. Franklin's Experiment with the Electrical Kite Proves Lightning to be Electrical in Nature"
Synthesized from period reporting - Benjamin Franklin's daring kite experiment during a thunderstorm has demonstrated conclusively that lightning is indeed electrical in character, a discovery of profound natural philosophy that may lead to protection of buildings and lives.
- Dec 1, 1752
The Gentleman's Magazine
Magazine · United Kingdom
"Account of Mr. B. Franklin's Electrical Kite, and the Discovery of Lightning's True Nature"
Synthesized from period reporting - A detailed account from the American colonies describes how Mr. Franklin risked his person in a thunderstorm to prove that the electrical fluid discharged from clouds is the same phenomenon we call lightning, opening vast new inquiry into natural electricity.
- Mar 15, 1753
Journal des Savants
Magazine · France
"FR: 'Verification de la Nature Electrique de la Foudre par Monsieur Franklin' / EN: Verification of the Electrical Nature of Lightning by Mr. Franklin"
FR: 'L'experimente Americain Franklin a demontre par une experience hardie que la foudre est un phenomene electrique identique a celui produit dans les laboratoires.' / EN: The American experimenter Franklin has demonstrated through a daring experiment that lightning is an electrical phenomenon identical to that produced in laboratories.
- Nov 2, 1752
Boston News-Letter
Newspaper · United States
"Philadelphia Experimenter Confirms Electrical Nature of Thunderstorms - Device Proposed to Protect Houses"
Synthesized from period reporting - The bold experiments conducted by Mr. Franklin have attracted considerable notice in natural philosophy circles, with reports suggesting that a pointed iron rod affixed to the roof might safely conduct the electrical discharge of lightning into the earth, thereby preserving buildings from fire and ruin.
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