Theory of ball lightning
Plasma Physics
2016-08-24 v2 Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics
Geophysics
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.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1411.4784,
title = {Theory of ball lightning},
author = {H. -C. Wu},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1411.4784},
year = {2016}
}
Comments
5 pages, 3 figures, presented at the 1st International Symposium on Lightning and Storm-Related Phenomena (July 2-3, 2015) in Aurillac, France