Scientists use laser to guide lightning bolt more than 50 metres in world first

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 strikes between 40 to 120 times a second worldwide, killing more than 4,000 people and causing billions of dollars worth of damage every year.

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.

Now, in a study published in the journal Nature Photonics, they describe using a laser beam — shot from the top of a Swiss mountain — to guide a lightning bolt for more than 50 metres.

ENSTA Paris Institute Physicist, Aurelien Houard says they wanted to give the first demonstration that the laser can have an influence on lightning.

Houard further says it would be even better if they could trigger lightning.

Source: abc.net