ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Dr Michelle Dickinson returns to explain how lasers are redirecting lightning

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 22 Jan 2023, 12:35pm
Wet weather and thunderstorms are expected across much of the country. Photo / File
Wet weather and thunderstorms are expected across much of the country. Photo / File

Dr Michelle Dickinson returns to explain how lasers are redirecting lightning

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 22 Jan 2023, 12:35pm

Nanogirl Dr Michelle Dickinson has returned following the birth of her twins in early October to talk about new technology designed to improve lightning protection.

Scientists have discovered that high-powered lasers can redirect lightning through the sky in order to stop it from hitting infrastructures, planes and people.

The most well-known form of lightning protection technology is lightning rods, metal poles that lure lightning away from other targets. Lightning rods are limited by their height and these lasers have been designed to fix that gap.

Dr Michelle Dickinson says that climate change is responsible for an increase in lightning strikes and the lasers are meant to counteract the damage.

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you