First comparisons of ball-lightning report website data with lightning-location-network data

Abstract

Ball lightning (BL) is known primarily through observations of untrained eyewitnesses who see it fortuitously. Because this mode appears to be the primary source of data on ball lightning up to now, we established a website in June of 2020 designed to collect detailed reports of ball lightning sightings from eyewitnesses. As a first step toward reinforcing such reports with objective instrumented data, we have performed successful correlations of selected reports of ball lightning with lightning-location-network (LLN) data provided by Earth Networks. We linked ball lightning cases to an Earth Networks database of cloud-to-ground (CG) strokes by selecting strokes that were close, both geographically and in time, to the ball lightning incidents. The seven individual cases presented fit the previously established characteristics of ball lightning well, including demonstrating that BL does not necessarily form at the lightning ground strike location. Reports also emphasize certain features which are not always considered in theoretical treatments of ball lightning, e. g. its ability to pass through closed glass windows. We conclude with recommendations for both theorists and observational scientists.