Globular ray: what is it, how it occurs and how to differentiate it from the twinkling

Globular ray: what is it, how it occurs and how to differentiate it from the twinkling

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Globular rays or ball rays are atmospheric phenomena in the form of light spheres. They are an unusual form of electric shock that occurs during thunderstorms. Unlike conventional rays, which follow a linear trajectory between clouds and earth or between two clouds, globular rays adopt a compact and erratic form while traveling through the air. In this ecology article, we will tell you What is a globular ray, how it occurs and how to differentiate it from the twinkling.

What is a globular ray or ball ray

A globular ray, also known as ray ball or Fire ballit is a meteorological phenomenon that consists of a atmospheric electric shock in the form of a light sphere. Unlike the common rays, which spread linearly between the cloud and the earth or between two clouds, the globular rays have a more compact form and They move erratically Often slow through the air.

These light spheres can vary in size, from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter, and their coloration can range from the Bright white to intense red or bluedepending on various factors such as atmospheric composition and energy released during discharge.

Globular rays usually occur during thunderstorms, although they are much less common than conventional rays. They are formed when electric charges in the atmosphere are separated and generate intense electric fields, which can lead to the formation of these highly ionized plasma spheres.

Although globular rays are a relatively little understood phenomenon, they can also represent A potential danger for those who are close to their trajectory. Although they rarely cause serious damage, they can cause burns if they come into direct contact with objects, animals or people, and their sudden appearance can generate confusion and fear among those who witness them.

We recommend you read this other article about electrometeoros: what are, types and examples.

Globular ray: what is it, how it occurs and how to differentiate it from the twinkle - What is a globular ray or ball ball

How a globular ray occurs

The formation of a globular ray is a complex process that is not yet completely understood, but it is believed to involve several atmospheric and electrical factors. In general, globular rays are formed during Thoroughieswhen there is a significant accumulation of electric charges In the atmosphere. These loads can be separated and generate intense electric fields in certain regions of the atmosphere.

  • A theory suggests that globular rays could be formed from the dust particles ionization, water vapor or atmospheric gases. When the conditions are conducive, these charged particles could be grouped and form a highly ionized plasma sphere, which is what we see as a globular lightning.
  • Another possibility is that globular rays are formed from the gase ionization near the ground. During a storm, ascending currents can carry loaded particles, creating an electric charge gradient in the atmosphere. If this gradient is intense enough, it could generate an electric shock in the form of a luminous sphere, that is, a globular ray.

However, research on globular rays is ongoing, and there are still many unanswered questions. The difficulty in studying these phenomena lies in their unpredictable and rare nature, which makes it difficult to observe and analysis in controlled conditions.

Globular ray: what is it, how it occurs and how to differentiate it from the twinkle - how a globular ray occurs

History and origin of the globular ray

The globular rays have been documented for a long time. The First description known of a ball -shaped ray appears in Chinese texts of the 12th century. British scientist Francis Bacon also described lightning lightning in the sky in the seventeenth century.

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, more spherical ray observations were made. Russian scientist Alexander Gurvich proposed a theory that describes the origin of the twinkles in 1919. Gurvich proposed that spherical rays form when ordinary ray releases large amounts of energy in the air, creating a plasma sphere.

Lacking a complete understanding of spherical rays, they are still a mystery. Scientists do not know how they formed, what are or what their exact characteristics are. Although there are various theories about the origin of spherical rays, none is widely accepted. Some of the Factors that contribute to the formation of the spherical ray are the following:

  • Origin: We know that there is no scientifically accepted theory about how spherical rays are formed. A theory is that they form when ordinary ray releases large amounts of energy in the air, creating a plasma ball. Another theory is that globular rays are formed at times that normal rays interact with some types of clouds or particles in the air.
  • Properties: Bola rays can have several properties. They can be of any color, but the most common are white, yellow and blue. They may appear alone or in groups and can move slowly or quickly.
  • Nature: Some scientists consider that these are plasma spheres. Others, on the other hand, consider that they are spheres of condensed matter.
  • Effects: Among the effects we see that they can cause explosions, fires and material damage. Sometimes they can cause injuries or even death.

Difference between Globular and Centella ray

Although both globular and sparkles are atmospheric phenomena related to electricity, they have significant differences in their nature and formation.

  • Globular raysas we mentioned earlier, they are electrical discharges in the form of light spheres that can vary in size and color. They are formed during thunderstorms when there is an accumulation of electric loads in the atmosphere. Unlike conventional rays, which follow a linear trajectory between clouds and earth or between two clouds, globular rays have a more compact form and move erratically already slowly slow through the air. These phenomena are relatively rare and are usually under study and research due to their intriguing and little understood nature.
  • The twinklesalso known as lightning or raysthey are high -energy electrical discharges that occur between a cloud and the earth’s surface, or between two clouds. They are much more common than globular rays and can present various forms and intensities. The sparkles or rays can be accompanied by thunder, and are usually visible as light flashes in the sky during a thunderstorm. Unlike globular rays, the twinkles follow a linear trajectory and are usually larger and more intense compared.

You know better what globular rays or ball are, so we now encourage you to discover the Catatumbo lightning: what is it, where it looks and why it occurs.

If you want to read more articles similar to Globular ray: what is it, how it occurs and how to differentiate it from the twinklingwe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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