OU Professor Helps Invent Lightning Detection Device

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- A device that a University of Oklahoma professor helped invent could save lives by predicting when lightning might strike.<br/><br/>OU meteorology professor William Beasley says the

Monday, August 28th 2006, 9:49 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- A device that a University of Oklahoma professor helped invent could save lives by predicting when lightning might strike.

OU meteorology professor William Beasley says the Campbell Scientific CS-110 Electric Field Meter measures the amount of electricity in the atmosphere. With that measurement the device provides advance warning that lightning may be imminent.

Beasley worked with lightning expert Leon Byerley of Tucson, Arizona, to develop the device and one is already in place on top of the soon to open National Weather Center building at OU.

It costs about $3,500, plus another $3,000 for a solar panel, battery and tripod.