Does ball lightning exist and how to protect against it
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Ball lightning is one of the least studied types of atmospheric electricity. Its unusual shape causes concern among researchers: does it really exist and what consequences can it bring. To understand this topic, “UP.Zhyttia” turned to the following sources: BBC Science Focus, National Geographic and Encyclopedia Britannica. How Ball Lightning Forms Ball lightning is described by eyewitnesses as a ball of light the size of a golf ball to a football. It mainly appears during a thunderstorm for a few seconds or a few minutes, the BBC writes. Ball lightning is often colored red, orange, yellow, or blue. Many observers also note a distinct sulfur smell after her disappearance. Despite numerous cases, it is rare to find a photo or video of ball lightning. Laboratory attempts to reproduce and explain ball lightning have not been entirely successful, writes Encyclopedia Britannica. Lightning/Depositphotos According to the BBC, the first mention of ball lightning dates back to 1195. An English monk described seeing a dense and dark cloud emitting a white substance, which under the cloud took on a spherical shape, from which a ball of fire fell to the river. A study commissioned by the US Atomic Energy Commission in the 1960s found that five percent of the world’s population had seen ball lightning, about the same number as those who had seen a lightning strike up close. However, it is rare to find photo and video evidence of its existence. Scientists admit the existence of ball lightning, but how exactly it is formed is still worth investigating. China’s Northwestern University may have captured ball lightning while studying the 2012 thunderstorm using video cameras and spectrometers. The bullet appeared immediately after the lightning strike and flew horizontally about 10 meters. The spectrometer detected silicon, iron and calcium in the ball, which were also present in the local soil. This adds weight to the theory that when lightning strikes the soil, it creates a pair of silicon nanoparticles. These particles react with air, generating light and heat at relatively low temperatures. What makes ball lightning dangerous The ground theory does not explain whether ball lightning can actually pass through the walls of buildings or airplane cabins. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, ball lightning is capable of striking buildings, exploding and setting fire to an area, or even injuring bystanders. An engraving on the door of the Golden Temple in the Indian city of Amritsar testifies to one of these cases. She describes how a ball of lightning entered and exploded inside the temple, witnessed by hundreds of visitors. Lightning in the city/Depositphotos How to protect yourself from ball lightning Considering the fact that ball lightning has not been sufficiently studied by scientists, you should not completely eliminate its existence. No matter what kind of lightning occurs during a thunderstorm, it is dangerous. The State Emergency Service advises during lightning: avoid tall trees; avoid metal fences; avoid walls near which trees grow; do not run or swim; do not ride a bicycle or motorcycle; Pay attention to the area: if there are visible traces of lightning on the trees, then the soil around has a high electrical conductivity, and lightning strikes there constantly. Oak, poplar, pine and spruce are the most vulnerable to electric discharges, the least – willow, maple and bushes. In the forest, it is worth hiding under low trees that stand next to each other. If you are in a field, look for a depression in the ground. It should be dry – wet ground conducts electricity more strongly. If there is no dry hole nearby, hide in the wet ground, but do not lie down at full height. There is no danger in the car. All electrical devices, in particular mobile phones, are a kind of receivers for ball lightning. You may also be interested in: What will happen to a person who has been struck by lightning – scientists explain How to behave during a thunderstorm? 13 simple rules
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