Lightning Rod

In Minecraft, a lightning rod is a block used to divert lightning strikes. It is crafted with three copper ingots placed vertically in a crafting table. A lightning rod must be mined with a stone pickaxe or better, or it will drop nothing. Lightning rods can be oriented in different directions. In Java Edition, lightning rods redirect lightning strikes within a radius of 128 blocks, while in Bedrock Edition, the radius is 64 blocks. Lightning rods only redirect strikes if they are the highest block in a column. When a lightning rod is struck, it emits particles as an indicator. If multiple lightning rods are in range, the one closest to the original strike location is chosen. Lightning rods not only protect flammable structures from fires caused by lightning, but also emit a redstone signal that can be used for automated devices. When a lightning rod is hit by lightning, it also briefly powers nearby blocks and can inflict damage on nearby mobs. It is important to note that lightning rods do not prevent skeleton trap horses from spawning nor do they divert lightning from tridents enchanted with Channeling. These properties make the lightning rod a valuable defensive and automation tool in Minecraft.