Stable spherically symmetric static charge separated configurations in the atmosphere: Implications on ball lightning and earthquake lights

摘要

A theoretical model is presented to show that spherically symmetric and dynamically stable charge separated structures of net zero charge that store energy could be formed by balancing of electrostatic forces and air pressure. The model evaluates the stored energy, the magnitude of separated charge and the pulsation frequency in terms of one parameter, which is a characteristic linear dimension of the system. Implications of the model on ball lightning and earthquake lights are discussed.