Why can’t we direct lightening to specific spots using tall poles or something similar?

502 views

Since lightening causes problems worldwide why can’t we solve the issue using simple metal poles?

In: Earth Science

6 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

That’s not how lightning works.

We put poles on structures that we want to channel the lightning safely if they get hit but it doesn’t guarantee that lightning will hit them.

It’s a bit of a myth that lightning seeks out tall structures, metal structures, etc. Lightning will take the path of least resistance but it does that every step of the way down. It doesn’t look at the ground and go, “Oh wow! A metal pole!” and then direct itself there. The steps from the sky to the ground all have to be a path of least resistance. If the entire path of least resistance means it hits the side of the building instead of the metal lightning rod, or hits a lower building then that’s where it’ll hit. Lightning rods are only going to be hit if the strike would otherwise have been very close by anyway. This is why it’s safe to carry around a metal umbrella during a lightning storm (you probably shouldn’t be out in one anyway) because if the lightning is going to hit close enough to then be attracted to the umbrella you were going to most likely be zapped anyway.

You are viewing 1 out of 6 answers, click here to view all answers.