Hi All,
Lightning strkes produce another hazard which has not been mentioned:
A nearby lightning strke produces a huge transmitted EMF (electro magnetic force or field.)
Sensitive electronic equipment will often fry even though it is unplugged. Fortunately there exists a device called Faraday shielding. The metal case around the computer, the metal case around most other equipments provides this.
Cheaper DVD players in plastic cases fry. As happened to us. (It was won as a prize)
A car provides a good shield, and provides good protedtion to the occupants. Also with commercial aircraft. It is common for airliners to be struck. The passengers are safe as the power travels on the "skin" of the aircraft.
So if you have anything that is unshielded ie some telescope Go-to instuments, a metal bag will do the trick. Does not need to be earthed. In fact best not to but unplugged of course.
Cheers Marty