Laser Lightning Rod

29 July 2021

As the national weather and climate service, MeteoSchweiz conducts weather and climate measurements at all times on Swiss territory. The complex topography of the Alps represents a real challenge.

The Säntis also has a station (SwissMetNet). Switzerland’s complex alpine topography presents a particular challenge. A new project on the Säntis is called Laser Lightning Rod. Since the invention of the lightning rod by Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) in 1752, science has been working to understand the natural phenomenon of lightning.

Due to the rapid development in laser technology, a new type of lightning protection is being investigated. The ‘Laser Lightning Rod’ project aims to examine and develop a new laser lightning protection system.

(Source: www.MeteoSchweiz.ch).