Scientists at the University of Geneva have placed a powerful laser on a mountain peak. They will explore whether it is possible to use it as a high-tech lightning rod, CNN reports.
The laser beam will create a static charge in the storm clouds, causing a lightning strike.
"We will defuse the storm cloud, reduce its charge and thus prevent the next thunderstorm," Jean-Pierre Wolf, a Swiss physicist, stated.
According to Wolf, the high-tech lightning rods currently in use protect a relatively small area, and it does not matter at what height they are located. Wolfe hopes his know-how will protect a much larger area.
The laser is installed in the Swiss Alps, on top of Mount Säntis, with a height of 2.5 thousand meters.
"This is one of the places in Europe where lightning is quite common. There is a radio tower with 100 to 400 beats a year," Wolff said.
