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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a method of dissipating a hydrometeor is provided. The method includes directing, from the surface of the earth, electromagnetic radiation, of a type that is absorbed by water, into the hydrometeor to be dispersed for a sufficient duration of time and in an amount sufficient to impart energy to the water of the hydrometeor to dissipate at least a portion of the hydrometeor. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is reflected sunlight. Sunlight can be reflected utilizing a plane mirror. A plurality of mirrors in an array could be utilized. The mirrors in the array could be planar. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of determining whether the cloud is moving relative to the earth and, if the cloud is moving, the additional steps of tracking the movement of the cloud and adjusting the direction of electromagnetic radiation to follow the movement of the cloud. In order to track the cloud, the speed, direction and altitude of the cloud is determined. When reflected sunlight is utilized, the movement of the sun relative to the mirror can also be tracked to provide data for adjusting the mirror to maintain reflected sunlight on the cloud. In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a method of dissipating a moving cloud is provided. This method includes the steps of tracking the movement of the cloud by determining the altitude, speed and direction of movement of the cloud, directing reflected sunlight into the cloud and adjusting the direction of reflected sunlight to follow the movement of the cloud and continuing the directing of the reflected sunlight into the cloud for a sufficient time and in sufficient amounts to cause dissipation of at least a portion of the cloud. By continuing the step of directing reflected sunlight into the cloud, the cloud can be entirely dissipated. |
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U.S. Patent 5,556,029
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U.S. Patent 5,556,029 |
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