Unraveling the Mystery of Lightning Balls

In summary, the lightning ball works by bringing the core to a higher voltage than earth ground and filling the glass ball with a conductive substance. The voltage is high enough to cause the substance to break down and ignite, creating multiple current paths that seem to move. When someone touches the ball while grounded, they provide a path for the current to flow through, resulting in the visual ignition extending only to their hand. This is just a speculation on how the lightning ball operates.
  • #1
Marijn
104
0
Ok i don't know if you ppl know these http://storeforknowledge.com/stores/163/images/lightning%20ball%20large.jpg [Broken]
How do these work?
 
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  • #2
Nobody? annybody? HELP!
 
  • #3
guess

A complete guess-

The "core" is brought to a voltage much higher than Earth ground. The surface of the glass ball has a relatively evenly distributed lump resistance back to ground. The glass ball is filled with soemething (maybe air, maybe not). The voltage is high enough for that something to break down and ignite over the distance form the core to the glass.

Due to the distributed return resistance, you see several current paths ignite at once. The net return reistance must be fluxuating (due to the discharge?), thus the paths are constantly moving.

Now, if you are grounded, and you touch the ball, you have provided a path to gorund that is much less resistive than any other given glass-to-ground path. Virtually all the current goes through you; thus the visual ignition extends only form the core to your hand.

Just a guess.
 

1. What are lightning balls?

Lightning balls, also known as ball lightning, are mysterious and rare phenomena that appear as glowing, spherical orbs of light during thunderstorms. They can vary in size and appear to float or move around in the air.

2. How are lightning balls formed?

The exact formation mechanism of lightning balls is still unknown. Some scientists believe they are created by electrical discharges within the Earth's atmosphere, while others suggest they are the result of plasma formations caused by electromagnetic fields.

3. Are lightning balls dangerous?

While there have been reported cases of lightning balls causing damage, such as burning holes in walls or injuring people, they are generally considered to be harmless. However, it is advised to stay away from lightning balls as they can be unpredictable and may potentially cause harm.

4. How long do lightning balls last?

The duration of lightning balls can vary greatly, from a few seconds to several minutes. In some cases, they have been reported to last for over an hour. However, due to their rarity and unpredictable nature, it is difficult to determine an average lifespan for lightning balls.

5. Can scientists recreate lightning balls in a laboratory?

While scientists have been able to create plasma formations similar to lightning balls in laboratory settings, the exact replication of natural lightning balls has proven to be challenging. The complex and dynamic nature of these phenomena makes it difficult to recreate them in a controlled environment.

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