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Lightning Research

Posted by michael on from the do-not-skimp-on-the-surge-protectors dept.

Mike writes: "There was a great topic covered on tonight's episode of ABC's NightLine. They discussed lightning and how a group of researchers at the University of Florida have been able to develop rockets that "pull down" lightning and allow them to gather data to help find out more about it. They can capture lightning bolts with relative ease and film the bolts with high-speed cameras, revealing that what appeared as a single flash to the naked eye was often times three or four bolts in extremely rapid succession. While the article doesn't go into the detail that was covered on TV, you do get a video clip and nice overview. And photos and additional details are available at the University of Florida's Lightning Research Lab web site."

3 of 122 comments (clear)

  1. An appropriate phrase by Ghoser777 · · Score: 3, Funny

    If they collect a lot of good data, then that would be like catching lightening in a bottle, huh?

    F-bacher

    --
    James Tiberius Kirk: "Spock, the women on your planet are logical. No other planet in the galaxy can make that claim."
  2. Old news by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Benjamin Franklin did the same thing with a kite in 1752.

  3. Safety first by Ghoser777 · · Score: 2, Funny

    "The intent is to make sure that we can have a safe house, so you can sit in here and watch TV while we strike it with lightning," laughs Uman.

    It might be safe, but that still would be damn loud. I still wouldn't want to be the guinne pig that gets to sit in the house while they lure lightening bolts toward it. I don't care how good you say bullet proof vests are, I don't want you taking shots at me.

    F-bacher

    --
    James Tiberius Kirk: "Spock, the women on your planet are logical. No other planet in the galaxy can make that claim."