The technique has had several names over the years, and it began in the 1940s when scientists were able to stimulate cloud growth and force rainfall to come sooner than it would have atop Mount Washington.
The technique continued during the Vietnam War, when the United States reportedly seeded the clouds in an effort to lengthen the monsoon season, thereby making it harder for the enemy to move around.
According to Business Insider, China has been awfully busy seeding its own clouds in recent years.
During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for example, Chinese scientists were able to seed the clouds — which involves shooting silver iodide particles into clouds. That action causes, at least in theory, the clouds to grow larger, quicker. When they're full enough, rainfall occurs. In doing so, China made it rain ahead of the Opening Ceremony, not during it.
Now, California and other states suffering from droughts are experimenting with the procedure in an effort to increase precipitation.
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