Attempts to Create Ball Lightning with Triggered Lightning

Hill, Jonathan D.; Uman, M. A.; Stapleton, M. L.; Jordan, D. M.; Chebaro, Alexander M.; Biagi, C. J.

doi:10.21236/ada510989

Cited by 1 publication

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“…We already show that trans-ionospheric pulse pairs from lightning are caused by the same radiation mechanism64, which supplies a physical evidence of our theory. On attempts to create ball lightning by rocket-triggered lightning65, we propose to use ungrounded wires5 rather than grounded ones because ball lightning is thought to be only related to the stepped leader. Perhaps intense lasers can trigger lightnings by producing an ungrounded plasma channel near thunderclouds66.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relativistic-microwave theory of ball lightning

2016

Sci Rep

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Ball lightning, a fireball sometimes observed during lightnings, has remained unexplained. Here we present a comprehensive theory for the phenomenon: At the tip of a lightning stroke reaching the ground, a relativistic electron bunch can be produced, which in turn excites intense microwave radiation. The latter ionizes the local air and the radiation pressure evacuates the resulting plasma, forming a spherical plasma bubble that stably traps the radiation. This mechanism is verified by particle simulations. The many known properties of ball lightning, such as the occurrence site, relation to the lightning channels, appearance in aircraft, its shape, size, sound, spark, spectrum, motion, as well as the resulting injuries and damages, are also explained. Our theory suggests that ball lighting can be created in the laboratory or triggered during thunderstorms. Our results should be useful for lightning protection and aviation safety, as well as stimulate research interest in the relativistic regime of microwave physics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relativistic-microwave theory of ball lightning

2016

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Attempts to Create Ball Lightning with Triggered Lightning

Cited by 1 publication

References 0 publications

Relativistic-microwave theory of ball lightning

Relativistic-microwave theory of ball lightning

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