18 Jan 2023

Scientists use lasers to redirect lightning

From Morning Report, 8:57 am on 18 January 2023

Lightning rods have traditionally been used to protect buildings from some of the forces of nature, but what if there's another option?

Researchers overseas have been looking into using lasers to redirect lighting and they've managed to get it to work.

University of Otago Physics Professor Craig Rodger says it's very cool, or maybe the opposite, seeing as lightning's actually quite hot.

He spoke to Charlotte Cook.