In theory, it seems that this should be possible with a giant capacitor or something. I am no electrical wiz', but it seems that the earth gives up more "free" electricity than we can even come close to creating ourselves. Shouldn't we figure out a way to use it? I understand it would be very regional, but so is wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, etc.
2007-07-25 10:48:28 · 5 answers · asked by luke_the_duke 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Type "lightning power" into the google search bar and you will find many links on the subject. My friends 6 year old daughter woke up from a dream one morning and proceeded to tell us we should build power plants in space to harness the power from sun bursts....including how no atmosphere or "no thick air" would increase efficiency or "make it easier to go".
2007-07-25 11:00:32 · answer #1 · answered by Morgan M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a great idea! Just tell us the exact location of the next lightening strike and we'll build a power plant.
Did someone say, "Flux capacitor ... fluxing"?
My apology for the sarcasm but I'm going back to the future.
2007-07-25 21:35:17 · answer #2 · answered by academicjoq 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Museum of Science in Boston, MA has a massive van de Graff generator and they give indoor lightning shows.
2007-07-25 17:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by Gwenilynd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest (and most obvious) way to harness the power of lightning is to tie a key to the tail of a kite and fly it during a thunderstorm. Good Luck
2007-07-25 17:57:46 · answer #4 · answered by Zach 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It has been done.
2007-07-25 18:42:40 · answer #5 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋