Ball lightning is a rare atmospheric electrical phenomenon. It is a glowing structure, having life-times of up to several minutes, and appearing during a thunderstorm.
Some of the spectacular properties of ball lightning will be reviewed: the huge energy content, the ability to pass through tiny holes (as observed in some cases), the emission of strong electromagnetic radiation (which can damage domestic electronics), etc.
The potential danger of ball lightning to humans and animals will also be discussed. The existence of ball lightning is still a riddle for modern science since this phenomenon has not been reproduced in a laboratory. There is no widely accepted theoretical model of it either. An overview of some of the theoretical approaches for the description of this phenomenon – since the pioneering research by F. Arago in 1837 to the present time – will be given. The major experimental attempts to generate an artificial ball lightning will also be discussed.
Everyone is welcome to attend this Nordita Special.
