Characteristics of Ball Lightning Derived from Observations

Abstract

From the continually accumulating observations of ball lightning it gradually became clear that an unusual, if not wholly contradictory, combination of properties was indicated by the eyewitness reports. An early investigator⁽²⁷⁸⁾ summarized five major difficulties resulting from contradictory observations:

• 1. Ball lightning occurs both in clear skies and in pouring rain.

• 2. The color of ball lightning is red or blue or sometimes a combination.

• 3. Occasionally ball lightning is motionless; sometimes it moves very fast. Often the path is directly against the prevailing wind, or at times a faint breeze can change its direction.

• 4. Although the point where it originates is not usually well established, ball lightning usually travels close to the earth. It may disappear silently or explode with a bang, emitting many bright flashes.

• 5. Ball lightning travels on wires or along edges; or the path may be independent of such supports, the ball floating free in air or even in closed rooms.