Could Ball Lightning Be Magnetic Monopoles?

TL;DR

This paper explores the hypothesis that ball lightning could be caused by magnetic monopoles, proposing mechanisms and suggesting further research to understand this rare phenomenon.

Contribution

It introduces the novel idea that magnetic monopoles might explain ball lightning, linking theoretical monopoles with observable atmospheric phenomena.

Findings

Ball lightning frequency aligns with magnetic monopole flux bounds

Proposed mechanisms connect monopoles to thunderstorms

Suggests observational strategies for monopole-related ball lightning

Abstract

While magnetic monopoles have extensive theoretical justification for their existence, but have proved elusive to observe, ball lightning is both relatively frequently observed and largely unexplained theoretically. It was first proposed in 1990 that ball lightning might result from the catalysis of nuclear fission by a magnetic monopole. The observed frequency of ball lightning does not conflict with current upper theoretical or observational bounds for magnetic monopole flux. Some possible mechanisms to account for the association of magnetic-monopole-caused ball lightning with thunderstorms are described, and proposals for further observational and theoretical research are made.