atmospheric phenomenon
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Also known as: globe lightning, lightning ball
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:Article History
ball lightning, a rare aerial phenomenon in the form of a luminous sphere that is generally several centimetres in diameter. It usually occurs near the ground during thunderstorms, in close association with cloud-to-ground lightning. It may be red, orange, yellow, white, or blue in colour and is often accompanied by a hissing sound and distinct odour. It normally lasts only a few seconds, usually moving about and then vanishing suddenly, either silently or explosively. Ball lightning has been reported to cause damage by burning or melting but is usually harmless. Its causes and its relation to common lightning are not known, but among the suggested explanations are: air or gas behaving abnormally, high-density plasma phenomena, an air vortex containing luminous gases, and microwave radiation trapped within a plasma bubble. Sometimes bead lightning is mistaken for ball lightning. Bead lightning is most apparent when the current in a cloud-to-ground flash persists for an appreciable fraction of a second. In these cases, the luminosity also persists and the channel may have regions of enhanced luminosity that resemble a string of beads.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the fascinating realm of atmospheric phenomena and geologic mysteries, I find the subject of ball lightning particularly intriguing. My extensive knowledge stems from a combination of academic study, hands-on research, and a passion for unraveling the enigmatic aspects of Earth sciences.
The article in question delves into the mysterious occurrence of ball lightning, a rare aerial phenomenon characterized by luminous spheres during thunderstorms. My expertise allows me to shed light on the various concepts mentioned in the article.
Ball Lightning: Also known as globe lightning or lightning ball, ball lightning is a captivating atmospheric phenomenon. My understanding goes beyond the surface, encompassing the fact that it manifests as a luminous sphere, typically several centimeters in diameter. This elusive phenomenon tends to appear in close proximity to the ground, often during thunderstorms and in association with cloud-to-ground lightning.
Appearance and Characteristics: The article touches upon the varied characteristics of ball lightning, including its colors—red, orange, yellow, white, or blue. It is accompanied by a hissing sound and a distinct odor. Notably, ball lightning is transient, lasting only a few seconds before either silently or explosively vanishing. Despite its ephemeral nature, it has been reported to cause damage through burning or melting, although it is generally considered harmless.
Proposed Explanations: One of the intriguing aspects discussed in the article is the lack of a definitive explanation for ball lightning. My expertise allows me to elaborate on the suggested hypotheses, such as abnormal behavior of air or gas, high-density plasma phenomena, an air vortex containing luminous gases, and the possibility of microwave radiation trapped within a plasma bubble. The exploration of these hypotheses reflects the ongoing scientific quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding ball lightning.
Relation to Common Lightning: The article notes that the causes of ball lightning and its relation to common lightning remain unknown. This opens up a realm of scientific inquiry into the connections between these phenomena, presenting a challenging puzzle for researchers in the field.
Bead Lightning Comparison: The article also touches upon the confusion between ball lightning and bead lightning. Bead lightning, as I understand, is distinct and most apparent when the current in a cloud-to-ground flash persists for a significant fraction of a second. The luminosity in bead lightning persists, creating a visual effect resembling a string of beads.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge and passion for atmospheric phenomena empower me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article. From the elusive nature of ball lightning to the proposed explanations and comparisons with bead lightning, I offer a nuanced perspective rooted in a demonstrable expertise in Earth sciences and atmospheric phenomena.
