In a first, scientists divert lightning strikes using lasers
Image Credit: cnet
Scientists, for the first time, have shown that high-powered lasers can be used to steer lightning strikes. The demonstration, which involved firing terawatt-level laser pulses to divert lightning strikes toward a 26-foot safety rod, was conducted at the top of the Säntis mountain in north-eastern Switzerland. Such laser-based lightning protection can be employed in airports, launchpads as well as large infrastructures.