Ball lightning is one of the most mysterious and dangerous atmospheric phenomena. It can suddenly appear during a thunderstorm, move along an unpredictable trajectory, and pose a serious threat to people and equipment. Vladimir Bychkov, a leading researcher at the Faculty of Physics of Moscow State University, an academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, and chairman of the Russian Committee on Ball Lightning, explained why these plasma formations are often "attracted" specifically to people and operating electronic devices.

The nature of ball lightning

According to the scientist, ball lightning is a kind of charged plasma object. It typically forms after an ordinary linear lightning strike and exists for a relatively short time — about 20 seconds. Despite its small size (usually ranging from a few centimeters to a meter), the energy of such a "ball" is comparable to the energy of several explosives, so encountering one can end tragically.

Why ball lightning flies toward electronics

Bychkov explains that ball lightning, being a charged object, is naturally attracted to sources of electric fields. In modern conditions, such sources most often include:

  • operating electrical appliances
  • turned-on lamps and electrical outlets
  • wires
  • mobile phones and computers

This is precisely why experts strongly recommend completely unplugging all devices during a thunderstorm and, if possible, moving them away from oneself.

Attraction to humans

The behavior of ball lightning toward people is no less interesting. The scientist notes that it can be attracted to a person due to the fluids contained in the body and the body's natural electric charge.

Bychkov emphasized that ball lightning can strike both a computer and a mobile phone.

How to reduce the risk

If ball lightning appears nearby during a thunderstorm, the physicist advises lying down on the ground. In this case, the probability of direct contact decreases noticeably — the ball may simply fly past.

When to expect ball lightning

According to observations, such phenomena are most often recorded in Russia during the summer thunderstorm season — from June to August. Every ordinary linear lightning strike has the potential to generate ball lightning.

In brief

Ball lightning consists of charged plasma formations that are actively attracted to operating electrical appliances, gadgets, and even to people due to electric fields and bodily fluids. During a thunderstorm, experts recommend completely disconnecting equipment and, if possible, avoiding remaining in an upright position. The new research emphasizes that following simple safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of encountering this rare but extremely dangerous natural phenomenon.