Mississippi heat

[amithi]

So, I don't have the slightest idea how to take night photos, but the heat lightning was amazing last night so I decided to give it a worl'. I had a tripod and everything, but it still looks pretty grainy to me. I don't know if it's me or if it's that my camera (Canon Powershot A410) just doesn't have the capacity for a really great weather shot.

Does it work for anyone, and how can I get a better shot next time?