Ball Lightning

Ball lightning is one of the strangest weather events in nature. It appears as a glowing ball of light during or after a thunderstorm. The ball can be as small as a golf ball or as large as a beach ball. It floats through the air for a few seconds before disappearing.

What People Have Seen

Witnesses say ball lightning glows white, yellow, orange, or blue. It can float through the air, pass through walls, or bounce along the ground. Some balls make a hissing or buzzing sound. Ball lightning usually lasts only a few seconds before it vanishes, sometimes with a pop or explosion.

A Scientific Mystery

Scientists have been trying to explain ball lightning for hundreds of years. Some think it is caused by burning gases. Others think it is a form of plasma created by lightning. It is very hard to study because it is so rare and unpredictable. Scientists have only recently been able to capture it on video.

Fun Facts

• Ball lightning was considered a myth for centuries until scientists confirmed it exists.
• Ball lightning can pass through glass windows without breaking them.
• In 2012, Chinese scientists accidentally captured ball lightning on video for the first time.

Did You Know?

Ball lightning has been reported for centuries in countries around the world. Ancient Greeks wrote about it, and ship logs from the 1600s describe glowing balls floating across decks during storms!