The Eiffel Tower acts as a massive lightning rod, safely absorbing an average of 10 lightning strikes every year.

The Eiffel Tower has been a subject of meteorological study since its completion for the 1889 World's Fair. Because it is constructed from 7,300 tons of puddled iron, it is highly conductive. Its height of 330 meters (approximately 1,083 feet) makes it the most prominent lightning conductor in the Parisian skyline. To manage these strikes, the tower uses a lightning protection system that includes four massive copper conductors at the base. These conductors are connected to large metal plates buried 15 meters underground. This setup ensures that the electrical discharge, which can reach up to 30,000 amperes, follows the path of least resistance directly into the earth. Historical records from the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) confirm that the tower is hit by lightning about 10 times annually on average. One of the most famous documented strikes occurred on June 3, 1902, which damaged the very top of the monument and led to further reinforcement of its protective systems. Modern sensors and cameras now monitor these events to ensure the safety of the millions of visitors who ascend the tower each year.