News Physics

A powerful laser can redirect lightning strikes

It’s the first real-world demo of a technology that might improve lightning protection

A telecom tower stands atop the Säntis mountain in Switzerland against a cloudy sky. A green laser marks the path of the powerful laser in this story.

Atop the Säntis mountain in Switzerland, researchers installed a powerful infrared laser beside a telecom tower with a lightning rod (pictured) in the hopes of snagging lightning. The green laser in this photo was used to mark the path of the infrared laser.

TRUMPF, Martin Stollberg

By Maria Temming

Like a high-tech hammer of Thor, a powerful laser can grab hold of a lightning bolt and reroute its path through the sky.