Scientists say they have used a laser beam to guide lightning for the first time, hoping the technique will help provide protection against deadly bolts — and one day maybe even trigger them.
Lightning rods, which date back to 1749, remain the most commonly used device for protection against boltsThey have guided a lightning bolt for more than 50 metres
A team of scientists from six research institutions have been working for years to use the same idea but replace the simple metal pole with a far more sophisticated and precise laser. But for future applications "it would be even better if we could trigger lightning," Mr Houard told AFP.Lightning is a discharge of static electricity that has built up in storm clouds, or between clouds and the ground.The air becomes "partially conductive, and therefore a path preferred by the lightning", Mr Houard said.
In theory, the technique could be used not just to drive lightning away, but to trigger it in the first place. "The current and power of a lightning bolt really becomes clear once the ground is connected with the cloud," Mr Houard said.
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