On this day in history, June 10, 1752, Benjamin Franklin is
reported to have flown a kite during a thunderstorm, with
a goal of collecting ambient electrical charge in a Leyden
jar — a container that could store an electrical charge for
later use.

This potentially would enable him to demonstrate the
connection between lightning and electricity.

Franklin showed an interest in the subject of electricity in
the mid-1740s when much was still unknown on the topic.

For almost a decade he conducted electrical experiments.
(History.com.)

A Leyden jar was the original form of the capacitor
(also called a condenser).      

Leyden jars are still used by teachers today to
demonstrate the principles of electrostatics.

MOSES LAKE, Wash. (AP) — A prototype, all-electric airplane
took its first flight Tuesday morning in central Washington
state.

The Seattle Times reports that if the Federal Aviation
Administration eventually certifies the small airplane to
carry passengers, it could become the first all-electric
commercial airplane.

The plane, built by startup Eviation, was built to carry nine
passengers and up two pilots. It took off from Moses Lake,
Washington, at 7:10 a.m. Tuesday, and landed eight minutes
later.

The company’s goal is to show such electric planes are viable
as commuter aircraft flying at an altitude of about 15,000 feet.

On June 10, 1752, Benjamin Franklin was said to have flown a kite
during a thunderstorm to collect ambient electrical charge in a
Leyden jar, enabling him to demonstrate the connection between lightning and electricity. Franklin became interested in electricity
in the mid-1740s, a time when much was still unknown on the topic,
and spent almost a decade conducting electrical experiments. He
coined a number of terms used today, including battery, conductor
and electrician. He also invented the lightning rod, used to protect buildings and ships.

Benjamin Franklin 
(January 6, 1706 – April 17, 1790)