Monday, June 4, 2007

Lightning Rockets Tap Bolts for Research

Rockets are used by scientists to study lightning, in particular their gas emissions of Nitrogen oxides (Nox) ,which cause acid rain. This is the first time that Nox emissions have been measured directly at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing at Camp Blanding, Florida. The rockets are able to attract lightning by being fired into thunderclouds. They trail about 2,300 feet of copper wire which leads down to a receiver on the ground. The study also helps to develop better surge protectors. See related post here.

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