July 1, 2005 -- Lightning strikes the Washington Monument from the side while a huge streamer of lightning at the top of the monument reaches for the main bolt, but never connects the circuit. The light from the bolt illuminates the waves on the Tidal Basin that had been created by winds from the approaching thunderstorm. This bolt hit ahead of the storm, before the heavy rain arrived. It is very rare for a lightning bolt to hit the side of the monument. This photo was taken from the safety of the Jefferson Memorial.

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