Laser Proves Successful in Changing Lightning Path

A team of scientists from six research institutions have finally succeeded in changing the path of lightning for the first time ever. This experiment was carried out at Santis Mountain in Switzerland.

From forest fires to disruption of property, the damage lightning strikes can do is known to all. To combat this problem, scientists have been experimenting on ways to redirect the path of lightning for more than the past 20 years.

While metal lightning rods are currently in use for the same purpose, they can only protect a limited area. This gave scientists the idea to use a better device – lasers. A laser beam can go much further into the air, create heat energy and move air molecules which can be effective in directing electricity.

The scientists had earlier conducted experiments in the laboratory which proved to be successful in guiding electricity, but to achieve the same result in real life was the ultimate challenge. Laser beams were shot into the sky for around 6 hours in total. 4 of the laser beams were effective in changing the path of lightning for a distance of about 50 meters.

While there is much more research to be done and considerations to be made before laser beams can be used as a mainstream way to protect humans and buildings from lightning, this is definitely a feather added to our cap.