Physical processes determining the ability of lightning to change its trajectory by choosing high constructions to strike are discussed. The leader mechanism of lightning propagation is explained. The criterion for a viable ascending (upward) leader to originate from a construction is established. The mechanism of the weak long-distance interaction between the ascending counter leader originating from a grounded construction and the descending (downward) leader from a cloud is analyzed. Current problems concerning lightning protection and lightning triggering by a laser spark are discussed, the latter being of special interest owing to a recent successful experiment along this line.

PACS: 52.80.−s, 52.80.Mg, 51.50.+v, 52.90.+z (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2000v043n07ABEH000768 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2000/7/d/ 000165062700004 Citation: Bazelyan E M, Raizer Yu P "The mechanism of lightning attraction and the problem of lightning initiation by lasers" Phys. Usp. 43 701–716 (2000) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Базелян Э М, Райзер Ю П «Механизм притяжения молнии и проблема лазерного управления молнией» УФН 170 753–769 (2000); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0170.200007d.0753