Static charges?

[Marc]

I posted this photo from a FB page.  I remember seeing something like it in the past but I refute the claims that it's static charges that caused it.  Anyone know how it happens?

 

Edited August 3, 2020 by Marc

[Jim Katen]

I remember an explanation about it from a materials scientist many years ago. As I recall, the visible patterns reflect stresses in the plastic, but I'm less sure about why the dust sticks to some area more than others. Static charge seems like a reasonable explanation. The areas under stress might have a slightly different charge than the areas around them. 

I know I can just wipe it off with a finger and see absolutely no other evidence of a pattern in the plastic. 

[BADAIR]

looks very similar to Lichtenberg figures

http://www.capturedlightning.com/frames/lichtenbergs.html

Edited August 4, 2020 by BADAIR

[Marc]

A lot of discussion on the FB page where this photo came from but no consensus or even a majority opinion.

My money is on micro arcing, initiated by low grade lightning strikes and facilitated by dust and moisture.

[Jim Katen]

I see it very often and lightning is almost unheard of here. When we get lightning, it makes the front page of the local paper.