Bolide - Contributions 0088-0100

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'BOLIDE' presents a compilation of contributions numbered 0088 through 0100, focusing on various reports and analyses of ball lightning (BL) and related luminous aerial phenomena. The content spans historical accounts, scientific papers, and anecdotal evidence, drawing from sources such as 'Science', 'Fate', and academic journals.

Featured Articles and Reports

0088: 'The fireship of Bay Chaleur'
This entry references an article in 'Science' from October 19, 1906, concerning the 'fireship of Bay Chaleur'. A more detailed excerpt on page 2 elaborates on Professor W. F. Ganong's paper in the 'Notes on the Natural History and Physiography of New Brunswick'. The phenomenon is described as a physical light seen over the waters of Bay Chaleur, often hemispherical, sometimes rising into columns that resemble flaming rigging. It is noted that this might be a manifestation of St. Elmo's Fire, with a mention of similar, though possibly subjective, phenomena reported near Tremadoc Bay in Wales and off the Welsh coast historically.

0089: Meaden, Dr G T, 'The Circles Effect and its mysteries', 1989 (excerpt)
This entry refers to an excerpt from Dr. G. T. Meaden's book. Page 3 provides a detailed account of a 'Luminous Ball Near Westbury' incident from January 22-23, 1988. A witness, a CB enthusiast, experienced his radio equipment and car ignition failing. He then observed a bright light that intensified, illuminating an area around his vehicle before diffusing away. The event lasted about 25 seconds. The report speculates on plasma vortex development and turbulence in a westerly airflow. Another incident from the Westbury-Bratton-Tinhead Hills area in late November or early December 1988 is also mentioned.

0090: 'Sur les incendies qui paraissent dus à des chutes d'aérolithes' in Comptes rendus vol 16, pp206-8, 1843
Pages 4 and 5 contain an excerpt from a letter by the Justice of the Peace of Montierender to M. Arago, published in 'Comptes rendus' in 1843. The letter discusses numerous fires in the region that appear to be caused by 'aérolithes' (aerolites or meteors). It highlights remarkable circumstances: fires occurring simultaneously or within hours of each other, often starting in outbuildings like barns or sheds rather than main dwellings. The author questions whether malice, negligence, or imprudence are the causes, but leans towards unusual atmospheric phenomena. Four specific cases are detailed:

1. On November 18, 1843, in Montierender, a young girl saw a strong light strike her window. The next day, a barn and four houses were found to be inflamed.
2. On November 10, 1843, in Boulancourt, a large flame was seen escaping from a barn roof. Two days later, the barn was completely engulfed in fire.
3. In early December 1843, in Montierender, a luminous globe was seen moving from west to east, causing people to believe their houses were on fire. It emitted strong crackling sounds.
4. On December 8, 1843, in Montierender, a similar globe was seen, which divided into three parts, one descending into a cemetery. The following day, a nearby barn and its associated buildings were destroyed by fire.

0091: Keul, Dr Alexander, & Schwarzenbacher, Kurt, 'Phenomenological & psychological analysis of 150 Austrian ball lightning cases'
Pages 6 through 10 present a paper by Alexander G. Keul and Kurt Schwarzenbacher from the University of Salzburg, Austria. The paper details a study analyzing 150 Austrian ball lightning (BL) cases. It covers basic information about Austria, illustrative examples, the methodology of the 1988 BL evaluation, results concerning phenomenology and psychological effects, and comparisons with other studies. The study aimed to define a 'core phenomenon' of BL by clustering cases rather than using a narrow definition. The evaluation involved coding 28 qualitative and 14 quantitative variables for each case. Key findings include that BL is often associated with thunderstorms (72%), objects are typically round to oval with a mean diameter of 30 cm, and colors range from red-orange-yellow to blue-violet. The paper also discusses correlations between variables like diameter, distance, and reported fear reactions.

0092: 'Fireballs in the family', letter in Fate, 03.53
This entry refers to a letter published in 'Fate' magazine.

0093: Ohtsuki, Prof. Y H, 'Balls of fire observed in Japan'
This entry mentions a report by Professor Y. H. Ohtsuki on observed balls of fire in Japan, with two selected cases provided as examples.

0094: chapter on 'Fireballs' from Camille Flammarion, 'Les phénomènes de la foudre', ca 1890
This entry references a chapter on 'Fireballs' from Camille Flammarion's work. It notes that M. Hallet provided an English translation for subscribers who find English easier than the original French text.

0095: Barry, J Dale, 'Laboratory Ball Lightning' in Journal of Atmospheric & Terrestrial Physics, vol 30 pp.313–317, 1968
This entry cites a scientific article by J. Dale Barry on laboratory ball lightning.

0096: 'Luminous phenomena accompanying earthquakes' in Nature 25.07.31, p.155
This entry refers to a report on luminous phenomena associated with earthquakes, published in 'Nature'.

0097: excerpts from Curtis Fuller's monthly column 'I see by the papers' in Fate, issue 35, 02.53
This entry mentions excerpts from Curtis Fuller's column in 'Fate' magazine.

0098: Note on Planté's artificial ball lightning, in Ciel et terre (Bruxelles) 1884-85
This entry refers to a note on artificial ball lightning created by Planté, published in 'Ciel et terre'.

0099: Mitchell, John, 'Observations on Ignis Fatuus', in American Journal of Science & Arts vol xvi no 2, 07.1829
This entry cites John Mitchell's observations on 'Ignis Fatuus' (will-o'-the-wisp) in the 'American Journal of Science & Arts'.

0100: newsclip from The Sun, Auckland NZ, 16.02.88
This entry refers to a news clipping from 'The Sun' newspaper in Auckland, New Zealand.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'BOLIDE' revolve around the investigation and documentation of unexplained luminous aerial phenomena, primarily ball lightning. There is a clear emphasis on collecting both historical and contemporary accounts, analyzing their characteristics, and attempting to find scientific explanations or classifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse reports and scientific studies without necessarily endorsing any single theory, while acknowledging the challenges in defining and studying such phenomena. The inclusion of both anecdotal evidence and rigorous scientific analysis suggests a commitment to exploring the subject from multiple perspectives.

Title: FATE
Issue: 36
Date: March 1953

This issue of FATE Magazine delves into the mysterious phenomena of fireballs and ball lightning (BL), presenting a collection of historical accounts, scientific discussions, and eyewitness testimonies.

Effect I: Distance and Size of Objects

The first section discusses 'Effect I,' which questions why more distant objects should be systematically bigger. The author notes that Altschuler suggested this might be due to overestimation of distant objects due to a lack of reference objects, or that distant objects need to be bigger to attract attention. Irradiation, dependent on object brightness and eye adaptation, is dismissed as an explanation. The author proposes separating 'BL I' (indoors or less than 10 meters distance) from 'BL II' (outdoors or more than 10 meters distant) for better statistical analysis, rather than mixing the two categories.

Special Evaluations of BL Events

Do BL Events Happen at Random?

The magazine explores whether BL events occur randomly, using the Poisson distribution as an approximation for stochastic, rare events. While most Austrian pixel data approximated a Poisson distribution, exceptions in Vienna and Styria suggest that BL observations are generally random, except in areas with high population density and/or thunderstorm frequency. Indirect lightning strikes via the grid in densely populated areas are also cited as a cause for additional BL.

How Good Are BL Duration Estimates?

Calculating a mean BL duration is problematic due to variations in observation scope and observer expertise. The text notes that 're-living' an event mentally provides more realistic duration estimates than guessing. Evaluating 109 Austrian cases, a trend shows reconstructed durations are shorter than guessed ones, with smaller standard deviations. While anxiety might lengthen estimates, no significant correlation was found between emotional reaction and duration estimates. High interindividual differences are noted, but a suggestion is made to conduct duration reconstructions at the observation location whenever possible for more realistic data.

Are BL Reports Highly Subjective?

Out of 150 reports, 19 were multiple-reporter cases. Analysis of these cases did not reveal a pronounced BL stereotype among multiple observers, suggesting that while descriptions might vary, the phenomena themselves might also vary.

Are Austrian BL Cases Without Thunderstorms Different?

Only nine such cases were identified, with most lacking lightning, precipitation, or electrostatic phenomena. The characteristics of these cases varied considerably, suggesting they form a residual category rather than a distinct type of BL.

Ball Lightning and St. Elmo's Fire

The issue investigates a potential link between Austrian BL and St. Elmo's Fire. Observations of St. Elmo's Fire at the Sonnblick mountaintop observatory are described as electrostatic discharges associated with precipitation, sometimes producing red, blue, or white light effects. An evaluation of BL data suggests a possible connection, as a significant percentage of cases with coinciding St. Elmo's parameters also reported precipitation and specific object colors. The borderline between the two phenomena is considered fuzzy.

Ball Lightning on Mountaintops

An investigation into whether BL is more frequent on mountaintops revealed that out of 150 cases, only four occurred on mountaintops. Interviews with meteorological observers at various mountaintop stations yielded negative results, suggesting that BL is a phenomenon with almost zero probability in Central Europe on mountaintops. This challenges reasoning that BL cannot exist because it hasn't been observed on mountaintops.

Fireballs in the Family (Personal Account)

This section features a personal account from E. J. Church of Rushville, Indiana, detailing three fireball experiences:

1. 1901 Evening: While living with grandparents, a fireball about 12 inches in diameter rolled out of a telephone, set fire to lace curtains, and disappeared.
2. 1938: While at an auto repair shop during an electrical storm, a large fireball about 20 inches in diameter rolled from a courthouse steeple, along telephone wires, and exploded with enough force to knock two men down.
3. Personal Experience: After a dental appointment during a sudden electrical storm, a large fireball about 36 inches in diameter rolled out of an X-ray machine, passed through rooms and doors, and disappeared without exploding.

Ball of Fires Observed in Japan

This section introduces the "Japanese Information Center of Ball Lightning (Fire Ball)" organized in 1986. Over three years, 2200 cases were collected, including photographs and video tapes. Eyewitness data is used to create computer graphic images. Two specimen cases are included, with a note that the reproduction of Professor Ohtsuki's photographs is less than adequate.

Case 1: Mr. T.T. (Tokyo)

On July 21, 1987, at 9:20-9:23 p.m., Mr. T.T. observed a lighting matter floating 1 meter above the road. It moved away from him, and despite his attempt to catch up, it broke and disappeared like a burst balloon. The object was described as sphere-shaped with a small tail, its center orange and red, and its tail blue, with a diameter of 25-30 cm.

Case 2: Mr. K. WADA (Maebashi)

On August 30, 1987, Mr. K. WADA and his wife observed an orange light in the west sky while in the Kirigamine highland. The light brightened, reached maximum intensity, then weakened and turned white before disappearing. A minute later, it reappeared in white, brightened to orange, and lasted for 10-20 seconds before weakening and disappearing again. His wife reported seeing another light and that it appeared multiple times and changed color, though he only saw it once.

Chapter IV: Fireballs

This chapter, excerpted from Flammarion's "Les phénomènes de la foudre" (circa 1890, English translation not earlier than 1906), delves into the mysterious domain of thunder and lightning, focusing on fireballs. It describes them as stranger than other atmospheric electrical phenomena, contrasting the tamed electricity of city lights with the wild electricity of fireballs. The existence of fireballs has been acknowledged by scientists, moving beyond the realm of imagination.

Descriptions of Fireballs

Fireballs are described as not always spherical, with contours usually clearly defined but sometimes encircled by luminous vapor. Some are furnished with a red flame, while others resemble falling stars, leaving luminous trails. They have been described as looking like a crouching kitten, an iron bar, or a large orange. One was seen as large as a millstone.

Movement and Behavior

A remarkable characteristic is their slowness, allowing them to be watched for several minutes. Several instances are recounted:

• June 1841, Milan: A fireball, described as reddish-yellow with red patches and indistinct contours, moved slowly down a road during a rainstorm and ascended.
• July 27, 1789, Feltri: A fireball the size of a cannon-ball fell into a hall, wounding seventy and killing ten people.
• July 11, 1809, Chateauneuf-les-Moustiers: A fireball penetrated a church, killing nine and wounding eighty-two people.
• 1711, Solingen: A fireball fell into a church during a sermon, causing a fire and killing three and wounding over a hundred people.
• May 22, 1901, Ouralsk: A dazzlingly brilliant ball of fire appeared in front of a doorway during a storm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained atmospheric electrical phenomena, particularly ball lightning and fireballs. The magazine presents a mix of historical accounts, scientific inquiry, and personal testimonies, suggesting a growing acceptance of these phenomena as real, albeit mysterious, occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these unusual events, encouraging further study and analysis, while also acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the subjective nature of some reports. There is an emphasis on documenting and analyzing eyewitness accounts to better understand the characteristics and potential causes of these phenomena.

This issue of "THUNDER AND LIGHTNING" focuses on the phenomenon of fireballs, presenting a collection of historical accounts and observations from various dates and locations. The magazine explores the mysterious nature of these atmospheric events, their characteristics, and their impact on humans, animals, and property.

Fireball Incidents and Observations

The issue details numerous specific incidents involving fireballs:

Incident in France (Page 62)

A fireball descended, touched the head of Mlle. K., fell to the ground, circled a room, touched boots, broke through a wall, smashed a stove-pipe, and exited through a window. Tragically, Mlle. K. was killed, with the fireball striking the nape of her neck and leaving a mark down her back and hip. Other people in the vicinity were rendered deaf or fainted.

Salagnac, France (September 10, 1845) (Page 63)

During a violent storm, a fireball entered a room through the chimney, rolled into the kitchen, passed near a peasant, and then entered an adjoining room before disappearing without a trace. While the people in the room were unharmed, the fireball killed a pig in a nearby stable.

Hécourt, France (July 12, 1872) (Page 63)

A new form of fireball, described as the size of an egg, was seen burning upon a bed. Efforts to extinguish it were in vain, and the entire house, along with neighboring dwellings and barns, was consumed by fire.

Unspecified Location (October 9, 1885) (Page 63)

During a violent storm, a globe of fire, the size of a small apple, was seen entering a ground-floor room and exploding.

Constantinople (Page 64)

A fireball entered a room through an open window, circled a gas-jet and a lamp, then precipitated itself into the street where it exploded with an appalling crash, but without causing any damage or injury. The area was noted to have buildings with lightning conductors.

Unspecified Location (Page 64)

Five women took refuge from a storm in a doorway. A thunderclap caused them to be thrown backwards, and two girls were knocked senseless by a fireball. One girl remained unconscious for a long time, while the others recovered from their injuries.

Unspecified Location (Page 65)

A woman working at a sewing-machine experienced a violent shock and a burning sensation when a fireball entered a room. She was found to have been scorched between her shoulder-blades and on her leg, though the wounds healed quickly. No trace of the fireball's passage was found in the room.

Chapelle-Largeau, France (February 16, 1866) (Page 66)

A thunderstorm produced a fireball that touched the ground and passed harmlessly through a room with nine people. It then entered stables, killing two cows and two oxen, and four cows, with a peculiar pattern of which animals survived.

Unspecified Location (August 24, 1895) (Page 66)

During a storm, a whitish-coloured globe, about an inch and a half in diameter, descended, split into two smaller globes, and rose to chimney height. It later reappeared and split again.

Montfort-l'Amaury, France (1890) (Page 67)

A young farmer was caught in a storm when a ball of fire appeared, exploded with a deafening noise, killing one of his horses and the farmer himself.

Lanxade, near Bergerac (April 21) (Page 67)

A storm produced a fireball that was hardly more devastating than an ordinary bomb.

Dordogne River (Page 68)

A ball of fire, the size of a sack of corn opening, fell slowly on the banks of the Dordogne, spoiling fruit trees, and then crossed the river, raising a waterspout before disappearing.

Atlantic Ocean near Cape Race (November 12, 1887) (Page 68)

An enormous fireball was seen to rise slowly out of the sea to a height of sixteen or seventeen metres, travel against the wind, and then turn south-east and disappear. The apparition lasted about five minutes.

Montmartre, Paris (July, 1902) (Page 68)

A fireball, about the size of a toy balloon, appeared suddenly and moved along the ground before exploding like a bomb, fortunately without causing injury or damage.

Candes, France (June, 1897) (Page 69)

Three people witnessed a fireball travelling through the air for about thirty yards before exploding with a loud noise. Another fireball crossed a garden and dropped into a pond, knocking over a gardener.

Linden, Belgium (March 6, 1894) (Page 69)

M. Dandois, a professor of surgery, was struck by a ball of fire which threw him into a field, leaving him unconscious. His umbrella, which acted as a portable lightning conductor, was twisted.

Unspecified Location (Page 70)

A fireball fell upon the door of a house, pushed it open violently, and entered the kitchen. A sempstress received a small burn on her forehead. The fireball then went up the chimney, removing soot and leaving a smell of sulphur.

Marseilles, France (Page 70)

Seven people in a drawing-room saw a fireball as big as a plate appear. It directed its course towards a young girl, rebounded off her shoes, and moved between her feet and the ceiling multiple times before exiting through a keyhole. The girl experienced a slight cramp in her legs and had difficulty walking for some time afterward.

Unspecified Location (Page 71)

Fireballs are described as diminutive and less understood than the sun. They can appear to come into existence on ceilings, at well mouths, or on church flagstones.

Chateau of Fosdinaro, Italy (1713) (Page 71)

During a storm, a vivid flame, white and blue, appeared on the ground and flared fiercely without moving, before disappearing.

Unspecified Location (Page 72)

A fireball quickly increased in volume and then disappeared. Observers felt a tickling sensation, and plaster fell from the ceiling.

Dijon, France (July 2, 1750) (Page 72)

Abbé Richard witnessed a bright red flame floating in the air, which rose, increased in volume, moved sideways, and disappeared with an explosion like a cannon.

Boulogne, France (July 21, 1745) (Page 72)

A fireball emerged from a sewer, moved along the road, and struck a convent tower, causing part of it to subside. A nun reported seeing a similar fireball emerge from the same spot years prior.

Unspecified Location (Page 73)

Dr. Gardons saw several fireballs flying in different directions, some emerging from stagnant water. They killed one man, several animals, and caused damage.

Presbourg (February, 1767) (Page 73)

A blue, conical flame escaped from a brasier with a detonating noise, burning a child's face and hands, and breaking a second brasier before disappearing up a chimney, carrying hams with it.

Moselle Department, France (Summer 1837) (Page 73)

A fireball was seen moving towards a dung-heap, stopping short, changing direction, and then rising perpendicularly into the clouds.

Lalande de Libourne, France (Page 74)

A Garde Champêtre was surrounded by a bright light and saw a fireball descend from a cloud. Later, another brilliant light from a tree spread into rays of electric sparks. The tree was later cut down, revealing lightning damage.

Unspecified Location (Page 74)

Sudden changes in direction and level are noted as characteristic of fireballs.

Unspecified Location (Page 75)

Fireballs are observed to stay within cloud layers, passing from one cloud to another.

Unspecified Location (September 22, 1813) (Page 75)

M. Louis Ordinaire saw a reddish-yellow fireball leave one cloud and go towards another, disappearing with an explosion.

Wakefield, England (March 1, 1774) (Page 75)

Balls of fire were observed gliding from a higher cloud into a lower one, like falling stars.

Alps (Page 75)

In mountainous districts, one can look down from above upon fireballs during a storm.

Cantal, France (September 2, 1716) (Page 76)

A traveller and guide encountered a vast sea of mist filled with lightning flashes shaped like fireballs. The air grew cold and dense as they proceeded downwards into the midst of fireballs flying in all directions. One fireball, about two feet in diameter, burst open, emitting bright light and a loud report, shaking the men and polluting the air.

Merlan, France (January 6, 1850) (Page 77)

A fireball burst above the heads of two men, enveloping them in a bluish light without causing harm or damage, but giving them a momentary thrill.

Karachi, Scinde (Page 77)

Mr. G. M. Ryan witnessed a ball of fire, the size of a full moon, during a storm. Two spectators were slightly wounded, one feeling a sharp pain and the other a sensation as if his hair were burning. There was a strong smell of sulphur.

Unspecified Location (Page 78)

A fireball struck a house, breaking a rifle in the next room. It left a hole in the wall and two holes a story higher.

Maintenay, France (August 10, 1000) (Page 78)

A globe of blue fire, about the size of an infant's head, appeared and crossed a room, touching four people without injury. An explosion occurred as it disappeared through an open door.

Newcastle-on-Tyne, England (August 3, 1800) (Page 78)

A fireball struck a house, causing a violent clap of thunder that knocked down the chimney. The fireball then entered the room and burst with a crash, throwing out fiery grains.

Besançon, France (September 27, 1772) (Page 79)

A voluminous fireball crossed over a corn-shop and a hospital ward, sparing the nurses and children, and drowned itself in the Doubs river.

Unspecified Location (July, 1744) (Page 79)

A fireball, the size of a fist, came down a chimney, passed between a peasant woman's feet without hurting her, and continued its course without burning objects. It then exited the house, entered a barn, climbed a wall, and burst with a terrific noise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the mysterious and often unpredictable nature of fireballs. The magazine presents a wide array of documented cases, emphasizing their varied appearances, behaviors, and effects. While many accounts highlight the destructive potential of fireballs, others underscore their harmless passage. The editorial stance appears to be one of documentation and inquiry, presenting these phenomena as unexplained events that challenge scientific understanding, contrasting them with more understood celestial bodies like the sun. The text implicitly suggests that fireballs are a poorly understood aspect of atmospheric electricity and lightning.

This issue of "Thunder and Lightning" (Issue 81) delves into the mysterious phenomenon of fireballs and ball lightning, presenting a collection of historical accounts alongside a modern scientific investigation.

Historical Accounts of Fireballs and Ball Lightning

The magazine begins by recounting several historical incidents involving fireballs and lightning. In Crailsheim, around March 3, 1835, a fireball reportedly entered a room, struck a young woman, and caused a fire. Another account from 1777 describes a fireball striking the lightning conductor on the Observatory of Padua, breaking the iron chain.

In 1792, a significant ball of lightning struck a conductor on M. Haller's house in Villiers la Garenne, causing damage. A more detailed account from December 20, 1845, describes a fireball at the château of Bortyvon, near Vire, which struck a lightning conductor, causing considerable damage to the château and reportedly rolling on the ground like a "huge cask of fire."

The issue notes that lightning conductors are a recent invention and may not always provide efficient protection against such phenomena. It is suggested that ball lightning seems to "escape the influence of lightning conductors."

Further incidents are detailed, including an observation by M. Laurence Rotch in 1903. A curious observation from Paris, made by M. A. Trécul, describes a fireball descending from the Eiffel Tower after it was struck by lightning on June 3, 1902. The article questions whether the Eiffel Tower itself, with its massive iron structure, acts as a more powerful conductor than thin metallic rods.

Other cases mention globular lightning striking bells or telegraph wires. An event on April 24, 1887, during a storm over Mortrée (Orne), involved lightning damaging a telegraph wire, and a fireball entering a stable, passing between a cow and a person, while incandescent stones fell nearby.

More recent accounts include several small, pea-sized balls of violet flame seen falling in Sotteville (Seine-Inférieure) in August 1885, which burned on contact with the ground. In Paris on August 25, 1880, M. A. Trécul observed a brilliant, voluminous, yellowish-white body that dropped a substance leaving a trail of light.

The text also touches upon the peasant belief in "thunderstones" (uranoliths), suggesting that ponderable matter can accompany lightning.

Scientific Investigation: Laboratory Ball Lightning

The latter part of the issue shifts to a scientific perspective, featuring an article by J. Dale Barry from the University of California, Los Angeles, titled "Laboratory ball lightning." This paper, published in the Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics in 1968, discusses a mechanism for the formation of ball lightning.

Barry suggests that ball lightning formation requires two conditions: an atmospheric electrical discharge for energy and the presence of natural hydrocarbons (like methane) in the atmosphere. He proposes that an electrical discharge can cause these hydrocarbons to form more complex chains, creating small regions of increased density. If a thunderstorm occurs nearby, these regions could become ionized, and a subsequent electrical discharge could ignite them, forming a small, local burning center.

This burning center would appear as an illuminated globe, likely red or red-yellow, with a finite lifetime dependent on the hydrocarbon density. Its decay could be silent or noisy, and its motion influenced by electric fields or air currents.

Barry presents a theoretical calculation for the diameter of such a burning center, estimating it to be between approximately 6 and 130 cm, with an energy density as high as 2.5 kJ/cm³.

The Experiment

The article details a laboratory experiment conducted to replicate ball lightning. A plexiglass chamber was filled with a mixture of air and propane (a hydrocarbon). A high-voltage DC discharge was triggered across a spark gap within the chamber.

When the propane concentration was reduced to less than that necessary for ordinary combustion (around 2.8%), a small yellow-green ball of fire formed in the range of 1.4 to 1.8 percent gas. This phenomenon was brightly luminous, had a diameter of a few centimeters, exhibited rapid random motion, and decayed silently. Most notably, this laboratory-created ball of fire had a lifetime of about 2 seconds, persisting even after the energy injection ceased.

Conclusions

Barry concludes that a phenomenon closely resembling natural ball lightning can be formed in the laboratory. He highlights that this laboratory phenomenon was formed at atmospheric pressure, exhibited properties of appearance, motion, and lifetime similar to natural ball lightning, and existed for a significant time without an external energy source. He acknowledges that this mechanism may not account for all instances of ball lightning and that other phenomena might be identified as ball lightning. The study is presented as a preliminary report, with plans for further spectroscopic and three-dimensional photographic studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the enigmatic nature of ball lightning, presenting it as a phenomenon that defies easy explanation, both historically and scientifically. The historical accounts emphasize its unpredictable and often destructive behavior, while the scientific section attempts to provide a rational, albeit complex, explanation rooted in atmospheric chemistry and electrical discharges. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific curiosity and a call for further investigation, as evidenced by the concluding remarks of Barry's paper, which encourages the study of ball lightning rather than its denial. The magazine seems to bridge the gap between anecdotal evidence and empirical research in the field of atmospheric electrical phenomena.

This issue of the American Journal of Science and Arts, Volume XVI, Number 2, from July 1829, along with later contributions and clippings, explores various unexplained luminous aerial phenomena. It includes historical accounts, scientific discussions, and contemporary reports.

Luminous Phenomena Accompanying Earthquakes

The issue begins with a report on luminous phenomena associated with the destructive Idu (Japan) earthquake of November 26, 1930. Mr. K. Musya collected records from about 1500 observers who witnessed lights shortly before and for at least an hour after the earthquake. These lights were described as strong, sometimes brighter than moonlight, and typically bluish, though occasionally reddish yellow, yellow, or reddish blue. Their shapes resembled rays of the rising sun, search-lights, or fireballs, with durations longer than lightning, sometimes continuing for over a minute. The directions observed often pointed towards the epicentral region.

A Problem for Physicists: Will-o'-the-Wisps

Curtis Fuller's column, 'I see by the papers' in FATE vol 35 (Feb. 1953), poses the problem of will-o'-the-wisps to scientists. He notes that scientific explanations, such as spontaneous combustion or phosphorescent gas, are vague and contradictory. A physicist friend found these explanations ridiculous, suggesting that investigation was needed. The column highlights the contradiction between a 'fire' explanation and a 'cold light' explanation, and questions how a compact mass of gas could remain stable when blown about.

Fuller also distinguishes 'fox-fire' (bioluminescent rotting wood) from will-o'-the-wisps, based on personal experience. He invites physicists to share their experiences with will-o'-the-wisps, asking about their temperature, whether they burn or glow, and if they have ever been chased or caught.

Related to Saucers?

The article discusses the theory that 'flying saucers' might be ionized areas in the air, citing experiments by Army engineers at Fort Belvoir Laboratory that created artificial saucers using electric discharges in a partial vacuum. However, the difficulty lies in replicating these conditions in nature. The theory suggests that saucers could be ionized areas following electrical and magnetic patterns from sources like radioactive materials or thunderstorms. The article notes that while some scientists deny the existence of 'saucers,' few deny the existence of will-o'-the-wisps, dismissing them as 'fool's fire.'

Balls of Fire: Accounts from Brechin and Toronto

This section includes a clipping from the Toronto Globe & Mail (September 5) about six OPP officers chasing a mysterious light near Lake Simcoe, identified as a will-o'-the-wisp. Old-timers in the Brechin district considered it a common phenomenon. Mrs. J. B. Running recounts how these lights, often reddish, would appear on railway tracks, stop trains, and disappear into swamps. She also shares an account of a game warden, Henry Thompson, who encountered a 'ball of fire as big as a football' outside his cabin at night, causing his dog and cat to react fearfully.

Planté's 'Artificial Ball Lightning' Experiments

A correspondence from L. Bayet, engineer, to 'CIEL ET TERRE' (April 6, 1884) discusses Gaston Planté's work on ball lightning. Contrary to an assertion that no experiment had reproduced it, Bayet states that Planté successfully created small luminous globes comparable to ball lightning in his laboratory using a battery of 20 secondary piles. When one pole was dipped in water and the other approached the surface, a luminous, rotating ball formed, disappearing after a spark. Planté believed a similar effect occurs in large thunderstorms with high electrical tension and abundant rain, forming electrified water vapor spheroids.

Observations on Ignis Fatuus by Rev. John Mitchell

This article, likely from the American Journal of Science and Arts (July 1829), discusses the popular 'Will-o'-the-wisp' and 'Jack-a-lantern' phenomena. Rev. John Mitchell notes that despite attempts at examination, these lights remain mysterious. He describes frequent occurrences near his father's residence due to proximity to wet grounds. He recounts fishermen seeing them dance above meadows and sometimes two or three appearing together. Mitchell dismisses purely fabulous accounts, aiming for scientific explanation. He details an instance where a friend mistook a light for a lantern but found it to be a solitary flame above marshy ground, exhibiting a flickering appearance. He suggests that the apparent motion of these lights can be explained by variations in their intensity and the wind, rather than actual locomotion. He also addresses the notion that they cannot be approached, suggesting that misjudged distance and giving up pursuit contribute to this belief. An anecdote is shared about a man who thought he caught a light in his hat, only to find nothing.

Mitchell further describes how these lights are often mistaken for neighboring house lights, leading travelers astray into swamps. He recounts an adventure where a man, possibly slightly inebriated, was led into a swamp by what he thought was a jack-a-lantern, only to find it was a false light. Another instance involves a man who, after leaving a neighbor's house late at night, was led towards a swamp by a light, eventually finding himself bewildered. The article also touches upon the superstition that these lights can beguile people into swamps, referencing Parnell's 'Fairy Tale.'

Freak TV Fireball Knocks Boy Over

A clipping from 'The Sun', Auckland (NZ) dated February 16, 1988, reports on a freak incident where a lightning strike hit a transformer and sent a fireball into a house, striking a teenager named Scott Addis. Scott was sitting in front of the television when the fireball erupted from the set, throwing him backward. He described a 'big wham sound' and feeling a 'big thump' in his chest. His mother, Jenny Addis, heard the noise and found Scott dazed with his hair standing on end. Hospital staff checked him, and he was found to be fine. His sister, who was sitting next to him, was unaffected. A neighbor alerted fire services, describing the event as 'spectacular' with a huge flame and the smell of smoke.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained luminous phenomena, from historical accounts of natural occurrences like earthquake lights and will-o'-the-wisps to early scientific investigations and modern incidents. There is a recurring theme of questioning conventional scientific explanations and suggesting further investigation. The articles often blend anecdotal evidence with attempts at scientific reasoning, highlighting the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities and the need for more research.