The Economic Times

USA tried to make rain by bombing clouds with dynamite in 1891. The $7,000 experiment for drought-hit Texas produced unexpected result

In 1891, the US government funded an unusual experiment to make rain by bombarding the sky with dynamite, balloons and other explosives. Led by Robert G. Dyrenforth, the team tested the theory in drought-hit Texas after a Civil War veteran suggested that the sound of explosions could force clouds to release rain. Although showers followed some tests, the expedition's own meteorologist questioned the results, noting the lack of scientific evidence.