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Lightning Protection: Lasers, Rockets or Rods? episode artwork

Feb 10, 2023 12 min

Lightning Protection: Lasers, Rockets or Rods?

from Short Wave

Every year, lightning is estimated to cause up to 24,000 deaths globally. It starts forest fires, burns buildings and crops, and causes disruptive power outages. The best, most practical technology available to deflect lightning is the simple lightning rod, created by Benjamin Franklin more than 250 years ago. But lightning rods protect only a very limited area proportional to their height. So today's show, why a group of European researchers are hoping the 21 century upgrade is a high-powered laser. Plus: Regina makes incremental progress on conquering her irrational fear of lightning. Struck by other illuminating scientific research? Email us at [email protected]. NPR Privacy Policy

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Lightning Protection: Lasers, Rockets or Rods?

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This episode was published on February 10, 2023.

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