A powerful laser can redirect lightning strikes

It’s the first real-world demo of a technology that might improve lightning protection

A telecom tower stands atop the Säntis mountain in Switzerland against a cloudy sky. A green laser marks the path of the powerful laser in this story.

Atop the Säntis mountain in Switzerland, researchers installed a powerful infrared laser beside a telecom tower with a lightning rod (pictured) in the hopes of snagging lightning. The green laser in this photo was used to mark the path of the infrared laser.

TRUMPF, Martin Stollberg

Like a high-tech hammer of Thor, a powerful laser can grab hold of a lightning bolt and reroute its path through the sky.