Ok, so, my knowledge on this topic is not very extensive, but I do know that lightning happens because the top of a cloud is positively charged and the bottom is negatively charged and the earth has a positive charge so it is almost like a short circuit between the earth and the cloud. I know lightning takes the path of least resistance and travels through ionized air. So, my question is, would it be possible to create a controlled air ionizer (almost like a large controlled air purifier) in order to artificially create an area of ionized air, thus making lightning more likely to strike in this area?
This may be a stupid question, so please don't tear me apart. I know the internet is not a very friendly place