Lightning Ball (Ball Lightning) Created by Thunder, Shock-Wave

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new theory based on symmetry breaking of vortex rings and shock-wave interactions to explain the formation, stability, and observed behaviors of lightning balls created during thunderstorms.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theory linking thunder-induced shock-waves and vortex ring symmetry breaking to lightning ball formation and stability.

Findings

Lightning balls form due to shock-wave and vortex ring interactions.

The theory explains the stable horizontal path of lightning balls despite environmental disturbances.

The formation delay is attributed to the inertia of the vortex ring system.

Abstract

Following his observation the author has described in the papers [1] to [4] the formation of a Lightning Ball (LB)with the help of a new theory of symmetry breaking of the vortex ring. In the frame of this theory he emphasizes the primordial rule of the thunder (shock-wave) during the lightning strike in the creation of the LB. The shock-waves and the sound waves propagate very fast but the subsequent enlargement of the vortex ring (air masses) is very slow. This is the reason why the rotating air ring (cylinder) only appeared some seconds later in the observation because of the great inertia of the system. As a consequence of the stationary Mach shock-waves reflections theory the stable distance of the LB to the ground and its very stable horizontal path, in spite of strong winds and rain can be explained.