New theory for Ball lightning phenomenon

A new theory for Ball lightning atmospheric electrical phenomenon, the physical nature of which is still controversial, has been proposed by Australian scientists. Image credit: theparadigmshifter via Flickr.

CSIRO and Australia National University scientists presented a new mathematical theory to explain the mysterious phenomenon, in a paper published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres entitled ‘The Birth of Ball Lightning’.

The new theory explains how ball lightning, usually the size of a grapefruit and lasting up to twenty seconds, occurs in houses, airplanes and how it can pass through glass.

The leader of the team, CSIRO scientist John Lowke, said:

“A crucial proof of any theory of ball lightning would be if the theory could be used to make ball lightning. This is the first paper which gives a mathematical solution explaining the birth or initiation of ball lighting.”

Lowke’s paper gives a mathematical solution explaining the birth or initiation of ball lightning, via the standard equations for the motion of electrons and ions.