Ball Lightning Research Articles

Water aerosol in an artificial analogue of natural dall lightning

This article is dedicated to the study of a brightly glowing spherical formation called a plasmoid, which occurs with a special type of pulsed electric discharge above the water surface. The lifespan of a luminous ball is quite long; therefore, it is considered as an analogue of ball lightning, the nature of which has not yet received an exhaustive scientific explanation. An attempt is made to find out whether or not an aerosol is present in a plasmoid and what its chemical and dispersed compositions are. It is shown that when a laser beam passes through a plasmoid, the scattering of laser radiation on aerosol particles of different sizes is clearly observed. It has been established that the interior of a plasmoid is filled with an aqueous aerosol, which includes two fractions: one of them consists of particles of the submillimeter range, while the other contains a medium-dispersed aerosol. The total volume of the particles is estimated at several cubic centimeters. Hopefully, the results obtained will make it possible to advance in understanding the processes occurring during the formation of not only plasmoids but also natural ball lightning.

Investigation of the value and mechanism of atmospheric plasmoid charge formation

The study of a long-lived atmospheric plasmoid has been continued. (Gatchina plasmoid). The electric charge of the plasmoid was detected earlier by us using a plasma probe. Here the measuring equipment was improved, which allowed to take into account the influence of bias current. The measured charge of the negative plasmoid was about -35 nC. The cause of the electric charge is investigated. It consists in the inhomogeneity of the plasma and, as a consequence, a special configuration of the electric field during discharge. In the column of emission plasma above the central electrode, the field is directed into the plasmoid (for positive central electrode). In streamers coming out of the plasmoid and in space above the plasmoid, the field is directed outward. To find out the reason for the appearance of the charge, the Gauss theorem is applied. The column of emission plasma gives a small contribution to the integral. The integral will be determined by the second section having a different sign. Thus, the plasmoid has a charge during discharge. After the current is turned off, the charge is retained due to the rapid cooling of the plasma. It is noted that when obtaining other long-lived plasmoids, there is a similar configuration of the field during discharge. A similar discharge structure occurs when a linear lightning strikes the electric network and a ball lightning appears from an electrical outlet, a speaker, etc. This work introduces a new object of plasma physics a charged atmospheric plasmoid. Keywords: atmospheric plasmoid, high-voltage discharge, plasma probe, ball lightning, electric charge.

Simulation of the ball lightning temperature field

The article is devoted to such a natural phenomenon as ball lightning. The relevance of the work is due to the fact that the phenomenon itself is widespread, but in itself has not been sufficiently studied. In it, the ball lightning is considered as a plasma ball. The main purpose of the work is mathematical modeling of the lightning temperature field taking into account radiation heat transfer. Based on the obtained result, an analysis of the behavior of the temperature field was carried out.

Explanation of Ball Lightning by Plasma Oscillations

Explanation of Ball Lightning by Plasma Oscillations

Questions regarding alleged laboratory creation of ball lightning

It is shown that the physical nature of the light-emitting region created by A.G. Oreshko [J. Plasma Phys. 87, 905870609 (2021)] in laboratory experiments cannot correspond to his model of ball lightning. We review his results and analyze some inconsistencies of Oreshko's model with respect to his experimental results.

The physiсal processes determining the properties of ball lightning

The aim of this work is to prove that the main properties of Ball Lightning (BL) may be explained by the action of the following physical processes. (1) Coulomb repulsive force between like charges constituting BL; (2) the pseudomagnetic force between like charges constituting BL, the character of pseudomagnetic force (attractive or repulsive) being dependent on the mutual orientation of spins of their charges; (3) the spin supercurrent emerging both between spins of charges constituting BL and between these spins and spins of the quantum objects of neighboring bodies, it transfers the angular momentum associated with spins. The investigations of spin supercurrent were conducted by M. Vuorio, A. Borovic-Romanov and other scientists from 1976.For the achievement of the above mentioned aim in this work the following properties of BL are analyzed: the formation in the streak of lightning channel; the placing of the electric charge on BL surface; the possibility of its “clinging” to electric wires; radiation of light; spherical, ellipsoidal, or ring-like forms; the possibility of recovering the spherical form of BL from significant deformations; the magnetizing of metallic bodies; the emergence of force interaction between BL and magnetized bodies; the evaporation from BL of a substance exhibiting the properties of ferrites; the disappearance of BL as a result of its explosions both in external electric pulse and in the absence of the pulse.

Temperature of apparent natural ball lightning obtained by examination of the spectra

Based on the spectra of an apparent natural ball lightning (BL) taken by a slit-less spectrograph with a high-speed camera as a recording system in the Qinghai Plateau of China, the temperature and time-evolution characteristics of this object were investigated. We found that for most of its life, the BL maintains a generally stable luminosity with an obvious periodic oscillation that is only discernible on the spectra captured by the high-speed camera. Soil constituents (Si I, Fe I, and Ca I lines) contribute the majority of bright light, while air compositions (N I and O I lines) dominate the periodic feature of the BL. There are some differences between the temperature values calculated by the spectral lines of different elements in the spectrum. The temperature estimated by the O I lines was the highest, ranging from 7170 to 11 410 K. The mean temperatures gained by O I, Si I, and Fe I lines and continuous spectra were 8750, 4330, 4600, and 2700 K, respectively. This means that the BL has an energy source core, where the spectral lines with higher upper excitation energy should be more intense than that in its periphery. In addition, during the luminously stable stage, the temperature showed an obvious periodic oscillation with time, and its variation tendency was synchronous with the evolution of the light intensity and spectral characteristics.

Странные следы "странного" излучения

A review of the main works on the study of "strange" radiation is presented - an intense glow that occurs above the explosion chamber during an electric discharge of metal foils in water in it. Photographs of the most diverse structures of tracks-traces of "strange" radiation are presented. Existing hypotheses of particles that leave such traces are outlined: Lochak's magnetic monopole hypothesis, the magneto-toro-electron radiation hypothesis, the tachyon hypothesis, the hypothesis of an intermediate quasi-molecular state of paired electrons, and the "dark" hydrogen hypothesis. Numerical estimates of all discussed hypotheses are given with an explanation of the mechanism of trace formation. The hypothesis of miniature ball lightnings - multiply charged clusters - spherical clusters with a radius of 2.14·10-6 m, having a charge of 4.5·10-12 C is presented. The electric field strength on the surface of such clusters can reach up to 1010 V/m, which is comparable to the electric field strength in an atom. When such a cluster is introduced into the crystal lattice, a strong polarization of the substance is possible, which can facilitate the conditions for the approach of protons and nuclei of elements. This forces us to consider the possibility of nuclear reactions proceeding through the process of overcoming the potential barrier, which lasts for a time that is many orders of magnitude longer than the nuclear collision time in a conventional nuclear process.

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

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.

Decentring Anthropocentric Narcissism: The Novum and the EcoGothic in Cixin Liu’s The Three-Body Problem and Ball Lightning

Abstract: This article examines Cixin Liu’s The Three-Body Problem and Ball Lightning using the framework of Liu’s essay “Beyond Narcissism: What Science Fiction Can Offer Literature,” as well as the idea of the ecogothic, as outlined by William Hughes, Andrew Smith, David Del Principe, and Emily Carr. Liu discusses the idea that literature primarily focuses on human relationships. He then explains that the universe is vast, and in the 13.2 billion years of history, humans have only been present for a small percentage of that time. Because of this, he calls for literature to experiment with challenging anthropocentric thought. This article focuses on how Liu uses ecological horror, feelings of dislocation, disorientation, fragmentation, and the uncanny to challenge anthropocentric ideology. It relies on close reading and an examination of intertextuality, especially focusing on Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation.

Substances with zero static permittivity.

The structure of materials with a negative electric susceptibility has been determined. Their electrical properties correspond to vanishing static dielectric permittivity. We give a theoretical explanation of anomalous polarization of powders observed in experiments and the mechanism of emergence in an aerosol cloud of an electric field, which is responsible for spark discharges (lightnings). We also explain the ball lightning properties known from observations. A fundamental scientific problem has been solved and the grounds have been laid for applications of new principles in electronics and electrical engineering.

Ball Lightning as Plasma Vortexes: A Reinforcement of the Conjecture

The idea that ball lightning is a plasma manifestation has been put forth by many authors. One of the major drawbacks of this approach concerns the stability of these structures. After showing the theoretical existence of pure rotating electromagnetic waves in equilibrium, we argue that these can reasonably provide a robust stabilizing scaffolding for the development of ball lightning phenomena.

Latviešu dzejas kopkrājumi lietuviešu valodā

Three major ways how Latvian poetry reaches Lithuanian readers exist: 1) translations in periodical and serial publications, almanacs, 2) translated books of single Latvian authors, 3) translations making up collections of various kinds and profiles. The aim of the present research, which may be called research conducted in a traditional comparative manner, is to reveal the chronology of the third way as well as its main characteristics. The article covers seven major and several minor sources; poetry collections, such as “A Muse Approaches from the Daugava” (Lith. “Mūza ateina nuo Dauguvos”, 1963), “The Bells” (Lith. “Varpai”, 1968), “We Arrived in This World” (Lith. “Mes atėjome į šį pasaulį”, 1983), “Spring Will Come as Usual” (Lith. “Pavasaris bus kaip visuomet”, 2012) and “A Ball Lightning into the Soul” (Lith. “Rutulinis žaibas į sielą” (2019), are considered to be the most significant ones. The work of the compilers and translators of the collections is assessed, also introducing the most active, best representatives in the field: Kostas Korsakas (1909–1986), Arvydas Valionis (b. 1945), Erika Drungytė (b. 1971). One of the main conclusions of the article: collections of Latvian poetry published in the Lithuanian language most extensively reflect creative pieces by poets who lived and live in Latvia in the second half of the 20th–21st centuries; Latvian diaspora is less represented, and poetry of the 19th–first half of the 20th centuries is represented even less, except for poems by Jānis Rainis (real name Jānis Pliekšāns, 1865–1929).

A marvellous sign and a fiery globe: a medieval English report of ball lightning

We describe an entry in a twelfth century monastic chronicle, compiled and composed by Gervase of Canterbury (c. 1145–c. 1210), which gives a credible description of ball lightning. It predates the earliest known report of the phenomenon from England by nearly 450 years. The meteorological descriptions in Gervase's 1195 report are examined in the context of the purpose of the chronicle and we compare them with modern reports of ball lightning. (Image courtesy of Mircea Goia.)

Влияние магнитных и электрических полей на динамику образования плазмоидов в гатчинском разряде

The behavior in magnetic and electric fields of the Gatchina discharge, which is used mainly to create an analog of ball lightning in the laboratory in a normal atmosphere, is analyzed. Shown that in these studies it is possible to determine the sign of an uncompensated electric charge as in the active phase of the discharge, and in the forming long-lived luminous formations. Also shown that electric and magnetic fields can change the direction of movement of the forming luminous formation and even completely block its formation. The type and mechanism of existence firework ball lightning are considered, photos of which are presented in widely known monographs on the ball lightning.

Analysis of Mechanical Traces Left Probably by Ball Lightning

Analysis of Mechanical Traces Left Probably by Ball Lightning

On physical investigation of ball lightnings

Explanations for the long lifetime of spherically symmetric objects in nature and the short lifetime of laboratory plasma are given. A qualitative description of the relativistic model of ball lightning is also given, which is a spherical electric region with strong electric and magnetic fields. The plasma temperature in the zone of the ball-lightning generation is measured by the spectroscopic method. A large ball lightning, the maximum diameter of which is equal to one meter and which stands in the region of its generation, is also registered after the formation and departure of a high-energy ball lightning. The reason for the low emissive power in the optical range characteristic for the atmospheric ball lightning is explained by the absence of electron transitions in the outer proton-containing shell. The absence of electrical breakdown at ultrahigh electric field between the core and the outer shell of the ball lightning and its destruction at the moment when the resulting force becomes nonzero are also explained.

An Initiation of Ball Lightning in an Aircraft

The detailed observation of ball lightning in an aircraft gives strong evidence that the ball lightning was initiated by preceding corona from metallic diverter strips attached to the surface of the radome. These diverter strips are designed to direct current from a lightning strike to the radome towards the aircraft fuselage in order to protect the radar antenna. The charging of the aircraft can be generated by ambient atmospheric electric fields or by precipitation when rain or fog droplets collide with the surface of the aircraft. Corona and thus copious ions were produced in close proximity to the front cockpit windows. The observation supports proposals that ball lightning can develop from electric fields within an aircraft fuselage, or indeed within a house, originating from the accumulation of ions at the outside surface of an aircraft windshield or a window pane. The observation suggests that ball lightning may be initiated through a corona discharge without the necessity of an initial lightning strike. Both authors have personally observed ball lightning.

Have You Seen Ball Lightning? Scientists Want to Know About It

Reports of ghostly spheres of light are often too qualitative. These scientists want your detailed accounts.

Features of the mechanism of ball lightning electromagnetic radiation

There is still no complete understanding of the optical radiation of ball lightning. So far no explanation has been found for the variety of its colors, the reasons for the change of color, the generation of light flashes etc. This may be due to incomplete data on the nature of the time dependence of its intensity of its radiation. The analysis of a video film shot in July 2016 near Blagoveshchensk can be of great help in finding the mechanism of ball lightning. For the first time the photo of ball lightning with a normal exposure was obtained, on which the flickering of its radiation and its structure — the core and the shell — are clearly visible. The brightness of ball lightning fluctuates in a chaotic manner, up to a complete extinction for a split second. It is shown that the core is the light emitter, and the shell, while remaining sufficiently transparent, scatters the core's light. It was found that ball lightning retains its size and shape unchanged when the brightness of the glow changes, during a bright flash, and during the final extinction. According to an eyewitness, ball lightning can stop emitting light for several seconds, and then begin to shine again. This may provide a key to explaining the observations of “black” ball lightnings and the cases of its occurrence “as if from nothing”. Various options for explaining the process of light emission by ball lightning are considered: thermal radiation, ion recombination, corona discharge. It is shown that the best mechanism for the glow of ball lightning can be explained if we assume that relativistic electrons are the light emitter.