At the moment bitcoin is having a hard time with unconfirmed bitcoin transactions and relatively high fees due to a high amount of transaction.
Lightning is a decentralized network, using smart contract functionality in the blockchain. It allows users to make fast and cheap transactions through a network of nodes.
To get more in-depth information on the Lightning Network: Read The Lightning Network documentation
LN 51 Nodes Running
The Lightning Network is truly an incredible advancement to Bitcoin. Watch the video below to get a simple explanation of what the Lightning Network is and why an increase in LN Nodes is so important.
source: inmainnet.gaben.win
Several users were succesful in making payments through the lightning Network.
source: Coincadence
If you are a more advanced user, you can follow 6Hundred’s Tutorial on “Setting up Bitcoin Lightning Network Node on MacOs is peanuts!”
That said, the lightning network is one of the most highly anticipated technological advancements to be deployed on top of the bitcoin network. I am looking forward to it!