Ball lightning is a rare, unexplained, luminous spherical phenomenon, typically seen during thunderstorms, which varies in size, color, and intensity and can last from seconds to minutes. While most scientists agree ball lightning is a real phenomenon, the cause remains a mystery, though theories involve silicon vaporizing from the soil to form a plasma ball or other plasma-related phenomena. Credit: tt/sundayannab1 | ROADS.sg

A rare ball lightning phenomenon captured in Russia at June 17, 2025 Ball lightning is a rare and mysterious atmospheric phenomenon, often described as a glowing, spherical shape, typically seen during thunderstorms. It's characterized by its luminous, orb-like appearance, which can vary in color (often white, yellow, red, or blue) and size (ranging from centimeters to meters in diameter). While its existence is widely acknowledged, the exact nature and cause of ball lightning remain a subject o

Ball lightning, also called the globular ray, is a rare and mysterious electrical phenomenon that appears as a floating, glowing sphere during thunderstorms. It ranges in size from a small pea to several meters wide and can last from seconds to minutes, moving unpredictably before disappearing silently or with an explosion. Unlike regular lightning, it often drifts against wind currents and may pass through solid objects like walls. Scientists still debate its cause, with theories including plas