Lasers, to counter Lightning?

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1 total messages Started by DonH Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:03

#885

Author: DonH
Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:03

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Some experiments have been carried out re use of laser beams to defuse 
lightning, by providing a conduit to earth.  (See recent postings on 
sci.physics.)
  What do lasers and lightning have in common?
   Photons, and electrons, both forms of energy.
   The visible flash of lightning (along with sound/thunder) may have been 
considered incidental to the ionised energy discharge, but light consists of 
photons (by definition), and so does a laser beam (excited electrons).
   While any form of metal wire, fired aloft, has a weight impediment, there 
is no such mass associated with a laser beam - or it is negligible.
    So, do we have to sit back and allow lightning to start bushfires, and 
cause other destruction, or can control be exercised?

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