Abstract
This paper describes Embodied Earth, an art installation that allows participants to experience lightning activity on the Earth. A real-time stream of atmospheric electromagnetic activity is used to generate virtual lightning strikes, and the use of a Kinect sensor allows these to be presented as striking a person in the exhibit. Subwoofers and, in some cases, a haptic jacket, are used to provide additional sensory cues. The implementation of this installation is described, and results of an initial public evaluation are presented. These results indicate that Embodied Earth does allow people to connect their experiences to the physical phenomena that drives them.