RAIN ROCKETS

With cloud-seeding technology, we can shoot clouds to make them rain

1 SILVER IODIDE CARTRIDGES

Cartridges filled with silver iodide vapour are placed into a rocket launcher.

2 TO THE CLOUDS

The cartridges can be launched into the clouds via a ground-based rocket launcher or from a plane.

3 SILVER IODIDE

Silver iodide has a structure similar to ice.

4 DROPLET FORMATION

The droplets in the clouds that are too small to fall as rain surround the silver iodide.

5 ICE CRYSTALS

As the water and silver iodide combine, ice crystals form.

6 RAINDROP

The ice crystals become too heavy to remain in the air. As they fall, they melt to become raindrops.