If you've ever been to Rio de Janeiro, you probably couldn't help but notice the 125 ft. statue of Christ with outstretched arms, standing atop the pinnacle of the 2,330 ft. granite dome Corcovado. Heck, even if you haven't been to Rio, you've surely seen images of Christ the Redeemer (or Cristo Redentor, in Portuguese). It is such a famous statue that it was named one of the "New 7 Wonders" by popular vote in the Summer of 2007--the only modern marvel to make the Wonder cut.

Well, Christ was struck by lightning when a severe weather system rolled through Rio on Sunday, February 10, 2008. That tall things are struck by lightning is not news to anyone. That the statue was unscathed is a testament to its designers and builders. That somebody snapped a picture of the direct hit is the really cool part, here.

Related Reading

• The New Seven Wonders of the World, from About.com Archaeology
• Images of Brazil, from About.com South America Travel
• Lightning Pictures, from About.com Weather

Image credit:

Paul Landowski (French, 1875–1961)
Heitor da Silva Costa (Brazilian, 1873-1947)
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), 1922-31
Reinforced concrete, soapstone exterior
Statue: 98 1/2 ft.
Pedestal: 26 1/4 ft.
Photograph provided by New7Wonders