Does a cell phone attract lightning? Experts explain

Although cell phones are part of the daily lives of many Brazilians, some concerns about the use of the equipment cross generations. One of these topics is the question: do cell phones attract lightning?

According to experts interviewed by CNN considering different scenarios, the probability of lightning being attracted by a cell phone is low.

Basically, lightning is atmospheric discharges that, in tropical regions, such as Brazil, usually occur during rain.

These discharges tend to be attracted to the highest points of a location, especially if there is a metallic object there, such as an antenna, for example.

According to the professor and coordinator of the Electrical Engineering course at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Bruno Lima, phones have antennas, which, in theory, could attract lightning, but their characteristics make this occurrence unlikely.

“The cell phone antenna is very small and, theoretically, is low, at human height. So the tendency is that, due to the size and height of the antenna, this makes it difficult for it to attract rays. This is very unlikely to happen,” he explains.

Cell phone plugged in

When the devices are charging, the scenario is different, experts say.

“The risk exists when [o celular] it is charging, because it is connected to the electrical network and, through the electrical network, there may be a current coming from the discharge”, explains the professor and coordinator of the Electrical Engineering course at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Bruno Lima.

However, it is “a low risk, there is no need to be desperate, it started to rain and run to unplug your cell phone”, reassures the coordinator of the Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering course at Unesp on the São João da Boa campus. Vista, Rafael Abrantes Penchel.

Considering the danger of plugged-in equipment, Penchel says that talking on the phone during storms does not add cause for concern. “Whether or not you are talking on your cell phone, whether it is on or off, it doesn’t matter.”

Experts also emphasize that, in addition to the risks being low, it is good to remember that other external factors, such as lightning rods and protection circuits in buildings, add protection to users.

Weather forecast

The southern region of Brazil will face storms and large volumes of rain this weekend, according to a forecast from the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet).

The most affected areas should be the Northwest and North of Rio Grande do Sul and the West and mid-West of Santa Catarina.

According to Climatempo, clouds associated with humid and hot air are growing across almost the entire country, making it possible for rain to occur in several locations.