High-powered lasers may be used to control lightning, research shows

ORLANDO, Fla. — Lightning poses a risk to lives and homes, especially in Central Florida.

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Research shows lasers may someday be able to help protect people and property from lightning.

Researchers successfully used a high-powered laser to artificially create a weak spot in the atmosphere.

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Then they were able to direct the lightning toward a preferred target, a lightning rod.

Researchers believe lasers someday could be used to protect launch pads, nuclear power plants, stadiums and airports.

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“Lightning striking near an airport is one of the big reasons why aviation is shut down in the context of thunderstorms,” said researcher Morris Cohen. “And so if we could protect airports, we’d save a lot of wasted time and money and fuel.”

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Researchers said lasers could also potentially be used to help prevent forest fires sparked by lightning.

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