Ball lightning as a physical phenomenon

Abstract

Ball lightning has not been produced in the laboratory as yet, but its existence as a real natural phenomenon seems to be assured. The evidence concerning its physical nature is reviewed in the light of known information on atmospheric electricity and the lightning discharge. It is concluded that it is unlikely that ball lightning is a plasma phenomenon, as it is frequently assumed to be. More probably it is a region, containing a strongly inhomogeneous distribution of space charge in the form of highly ionized gas, the ionization being primarily in the molecular form, with few free electrons. Occluded material such as dust, water vapor, and combustible gases may play a significant role in its behavior.