Brazilian scientists are going to tame lightning

A group of chemists from the University of Campinas, it is in Brazil, recently reported that they did understand the mechanism of formation of electrical charges in the atmosphere. There are still many theories on this subject, but they all have some drawbacks, so the real reason for the formation of lightning has not yet been completely clear. As a result, it was not possible to “tame” the lightning, that is, to use this practically inexhaustible source of electricity.

So, Brazilian scientists chewing betel nut and driving wild monkeys from their desks reported that they were able to reproduce the conditions for the formation of electric charges in the atmosphere under laboratory conditions. This method is the simulation of the evaporation of water with dust particles characteristic of our atmosphere. They found that silicon compounds get more negative charge if they are in high humidity conditions. In addition, aluminum phosphate, under the same conditions of high humidity, acquires a greater positive charge than at normal humidity.
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Scientists believe that the facts they found indicate that water in the atmosphere can serve as an accumulator of electric charge, transferring it in contact with any conductor. Brazilians even came up with the special term “hydroelectricity”.

It is clear that this statement of scientists from Brazil contradicts the generally accepted theory that water does not carry any charge, it is neutral and cannot accumulate electricity. Fernando Galambek, the head of the Brazilians, argues that he will not argue with the theory that is accepted in today's science, but the facts still indicate that the water is not as neutral as it was thought before, and may well accumulate energy, at least and in gaseous state.

Scientists believe that their discovery will help create a device that can absorb atmospheric electricity. Such devices could save quite large amounts of electricity, and could work in conjunction with the same solar panels.

In addition, these same devices can serve as lightning conductors of a new type, “draining” the electric charge around buildings and structures. Thus, the threat that a building and / or people’s communications will suffer as a result of a lightning strike will disappear.

Of course, there is still a long way to go from this discovery to the realization of the idea of ​​using atmospheric electricity. But let's hope the Brazilians can do it. In addition, it would be nice if their assumptions were correct - it’s difficult to imagine how much energy could be saved in this way ...