Ball Lightning: An Unsolved Problem in Atmospheric Physics

This is the only scientific review of ball lightning in print at the present time with an up-to-date coverage of theory. This book provides a critical review of eyewitness observations of ball lightning and of evidence of its interaction with the environment. Ball lightning is probably not hazardous, but may be a precursor of ordinary lightning. The conclusion is that ball lightning has lower energy than generally assumed and that some theories are thus redundant. After critically reviewing the current theory, recommendations are provided for future research. This specialist book draws new conclusions about the characteristics of ball lightning and relates these to current theories.