Theory of ball lightning

Abstract

We present a comprehensive theory on the formation of ball lightning, a luminous sphere sometimes observed after normal lightning. In a ball lightning event, a relativistic electron bunch can be produced by the stepped leader of lightning and coherently emit high-power microwave when striking the ground. The intense microwave ionizes the local air and evacuates the resulting plasma by its radiation pressure, thereby forming a spherical plasma cavity that traps the microwave. The theory can explain observed properties of ball lightning and should be useful to lightning protection and aviation safety.

5 pages, 3 figures, presented at the 1st International Symposium on Lightning and Storm-Related Phenomena (July 2-3, 2015) in Aurillac, France

References in corpus (4)

• Giant half-cycle attosecond pulses
• Experimental study on hard X-rays emitted from metre-scale negative discharges in air
• Multiple X-ray bursts from long discharges in air
• Anticorrelation between Ion Acceleration and Nonlinear Coherent Structures from Laser-Underdense Plasma Interaction

Cited by in corpus (4)

• Observation of an Unusual Upward-going Cosmic-ray-like Event in the Third Flight of ANITA
• Containing intense laser light in circular cavity with magnetic trap door
• Upper Field Strength Limit of Fast Radio Bursts
• An explanation of trans-ionospheric pulse pairs