With the onset of heat, ordinary summer thunderstorms sometimes transform into a little-known phenomenon called ball lightning. The mysterious glowing sphere can pose a serious threat, but by knowing simple rules of behavior, it is not difficult to protect oneself from it.
A Mystery for Scientists
Humanity has known about the natural phenomenon called “ball lightning” since the 12th century, when a levitating electric charge burned through the roof of an English church in Canterbury.
Since then, the thunderous phenomenon was regarded more as divine punishment until a number of scientists began to develop new concepts about this object. It is known that such lightning has claimed many lives. For instance, in 1753, during experiments in a laboratory in St. Petersburg, an electric ball took the life of the scientist Georg Richmann.
The well-known Nikola Tesla also conducted experiments on the phenomenon, but apart from creating a gas charge in the shape of a ball, he was unable to draw any conclusions. In 1958, Pyotr Kapitsa attempted to unravel the mystery of the phenomenon. In his resonator, he managed to create a floating gas ball that changed colors. Modern scientists agree that ball lightning is a clump of plasma that forms during an electric discharge in humid air.
Occurs in Heat
Despite the mystical aura surrounding levitating spheres, it is well known that the phenomenon occurs at the moment of a classic lightning strike to the ground. At this time, a beam of electrons generates radiation, which in turn creates a sphere filled with electromagnetic energy.
“Ball lightning is most often observed in the North Caucasus, where the boundary between cold and warm air masses is most pronounced,” notes meteorologist Tatyana Pozdnyakova.
The frequency of ball lightning occurrences in the region is due to the mountainous terrain, from which cold air descends to the ground, forming cumulus clouds over the coast.
Nevertheless, ball lightning is as dangerous as regular lightning. In size, the phenomenon can resemble a tennis ball, round or oval in shape, capable of striking houses, trees, and unsuspecting passersby.
How to Protect Yourself from Ball Lightning?
According to the expert, ball lightning “loves” movement the most.
“Ball lightning moves in the leading current and burns whatever it encounters in its path,” the expert states.
The main rule upon seeing ball lightning is to remain still, so as not to draw the airflow that could cause the ball to follow you. It has long been known that walking during a thunderstorm is a bad idea, and if the weather turns sour, it is better to find reliable shelter immediately.
The nature of ball lightning explains the phenomenon of it entering open windows. A light energy ball is drawn into a room by a draft, where it can cause damage that is completely disproportionate to its modest size. To secure your home, it is sufficient to simply keep windows closed during the height of the storm.
