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Ball lightning in Smethwick

Abstract

BALL lightning has been observed on many occasions, but there have been few events1–5 which have provided evidence with which to test any of the available explanations of the phenomenon. Consequently considerable weight has been placed on the “tub of water” event1. The occurrence reported by Stenhoff6 has presented unique evidence which enables us to carry out a number of simple calculations. The lady concerned describes the fireball appearing 39–40″ above the floor, then dropping 2 or 3″ when she tried to stop it with her hand. It was apparent for 1 s and had a diameter of 4″ but also had a halo.

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WOODING, E. Ball lightning in Smethwick. Nature 262, 379–380 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/262379a0

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