Podcast Summary
The Importance of Lightning Rods: Lightning rods, invented by Benjamin Franklin, remain our primary defense against lightning damage despite advancements in technology. Scientists are researching new methods to protect against lightning, but for now, rods are our best bet.
The BBC provides valuable information and inspiration through storytelling, encouraging us to think for ourselves. Lightning, while fascinating, can also be dangerous and has real-world consequences such as flight delays, damage to buildings and wind farms, and even fatalities. Despite advancements in technology, the most effective method for protecting against lightning is still the lightning rod, which was invented by Benjamin Franklin over 250 years ago. This rod, typically placed on top of buildings, can only protect a limited area around it, as its range corresponds to its height. Scientists are working to develop new technologies to draw lightning away from populated areas and valuable objects, but for now, the trusty lightning rod remains our primary defense.
Outdated methods for protecting structures from lightning: New solutions like high-powered lasers are being explored to effectively protect large areas and structures from dangerous lightning strikes
Our current methods for protecting structures from lightning strikes, such as large metal rods, have limitations and are not effective in fully addressing the issue. Lightning is caused by an imbalance of electrons in the atmosphere, and this imbalance results in the transfer of subatomic particles, creating a discharge of electricity. While we can experience this as a small spark when we shock ourselves, in the case of lightning, the discharge is much larger and more dangerous. Current methods for protecting structures from lightning, such as tall rods, are not practical for large areas or structures like airports. Researchers are exploring new solutions, such as high-powered lasers, to redirect lightning and protect areas from dangerous strikes. It's clear that we need a 21st century update to address this natural phenomenon and ensure the safety of communities and infrastructure.
Science of Lightning: Unequal Air Currents and Electric Charges: Lightning forms when unequal hot and cold air currents in clouds create electric charges, resulting in a lightning bolt. Protect structures with lightning rods to safely redirect the electricity to the ground.
Lightning is caused by the movement of charged electrons in the atmosphere, which occurs due to the unequal distribution of hot and cold air currents in clouds. The friction between these currents creates an electric charge. When the charge becomes strong enough, electrons either travel to the ground or connect with a positively charged cloud, resulting in a lightning bolt. Although it's unlikely for lightning to strike a person, it can damage trees, buildings, and delay flights. To protect structures from lightning, we use lightning rods, which act as conductors and safely direct the electricity to the ground. Another method to redirect lightning is by using rockets with long wires attached. However, this approach is expensive, requires precise timing, and can only be used once. In summary, understanding the science behind lightning and implementing protective measures like lightning rods can help minimize the damage caused by this natural phenomenon.
Lasers redirect lightning for the first time: Scientists used lasers to create a giant lightning rod, ionizing the air and increasing chances of catching lightning. This innovation could lead to more effective protection against strikes.
Scientists have successfully used high-powered lasers to redirect lightning for the first time ever, turning it into a potential alternative to traditional lightning rods. This breakthrough was achieved by ionizing the air with the laser beam, creating a column of air filled with free electrons that acts as a giant lightning rod. The experiment was conducted on a remote Swiss mountain where a telecommunications tower is frequently struck by lightning. Due to the mountain's inaccessibility, the team had to design a laser that could be split into smaller parts to fit in a gondola for transportation. This innovation marks a significant advancement in a decades-old idea, as the lasers had to become more powerful to shoot 1,000 pulses per second, increasing the chances of catching and guiding the lightning during its propagation. This development could lead to more effective and reliable protection against lightning strikes in the future.
Adapting to unpredictable weather conditions for laser lightning research: Researchers on Mount Centes faced numerous challenges including temperature changes, strong winds, heavy rain, and power disruptions during lightning storms, but were able to protect a 180-meter radius using a laser.
Conducting research on using lasers to protect areas from lightning requires careful planning and adaptation to unpredictable weather conditions. Researchers led by Aurelien, placed their equipment on a mountain where lightning frequently strikes, specifically Mount Centes, ensuring a consistent location for their experiments. However, they faced numerous challenges including unpredictable temperature changes, strong winds, heavy rain, and power disruptions during lightning storms. These conditions made it difficult for the team to keep the laser functioning and required them to stay on the mountain during experiments. Initially, they relied on weather forecasts to predict lightning events, but soon realized the inaccuracies and rapid changes in the weather. As a result, they decided to stay on the mountain full-time and adapt their schedule accordingly. Despite the challenges, the team was able to protect an impressive 180-meter radius with their laser, highlighting the potential of this technology.
Using lasers to protect areas from lightning strikes: Scientist is developing laser technology to prevent lightning strikes, but it requires more data and resources to extend coverage and take years to accomplish
A scientist is working on using lasers to protect areas from lightning strikes, with plans to extend the technology higher into the sky to cover larger areas. However, this will require more data and potentially more laser installations around the world, and will take careful planning and several years to accomplish. For now, the scientist is content with the progress made and the peace of mind it brings. This innovation is an example of how science continues to address our fears and concerns, and how it requires dedication, resources, and time to bring groundbreaking ideas to reality. If you have a science question, send it to NPR's Shortwave team at shortwave@npr.org. The episode was produced by Liz Metzger and Burleigh McCoy, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, fact checked by Neil Oza, and engineered by Gilly Moon. Support for this NPR podcast comes from Easycater, providing food solutions for meetings and events with online ordering and 24/7 live support. Learn more at easycater.com. I'm Regina Barber, and thank you for listening to Shortwave, the daily science podcast from NPR.
