The state of matter that occurs at very high temperatures, such as in a lightning strike, is plasma.

Here's why:

* Plasma is a superheated gas where electrons are stripped from atoms, creating a collection of free-moving charged particles. This makes plasma highly conductive and responsive to magnetic fields.

* Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that generates temperatures exceeding 30,000°C. These extreme temperatures are sufficient to ionize the air molecules, creating a plasma channel.

While the air around us is typically a gas, the intense heat of lightning transforms it into a plasma. This is why lightning strikes are so brilliant, as the plasma emits light as it rapidly cools.