Lightning research. A scientist from the Langmuir Atmospheric Research Laboratory preparing to launch a rocket to trigger a lightning strike. The rocket trails a fine copper wire. It is launched into a thunderstorm, the wire providing an easy path for the lightning to reach Earth. This allows researchers to measure the current and voltage of lightning strikes, and to measure other parameters. To ensure the safety of the operating crew the rocket is triggered by a pneumatic switch, preventing the lightning reaching the control trailer. This photograph was taken on Mount Baldy, New Mexico USA.