How did Apollo 12 “generate” its own lightning bolt about 30 seconds into launch?
Apollo 12 didn’t generate its own lightning bolt, but rather acted as a lightning conductor as it moved through the electrically charged atmosphere. Storm clouds had started to form prior to the launch. After launch (about 30 seconds in, as you said, and again after 52 seconds), the column of ionised gas formed by the rockets acted as a conductor rod, thus causing the lightning bolt that passed through the rocket and down the column of ionised air to the ground. There are more details in the link (below). Scary moments for everyone, but a successful mission in the end.
