6. Cosmic Rays
Another possible cause for ball lightning has been suggested as cosmic rays, high-energy particles coming from outside our planet. Mostly made of protons and atomic nuclei, these particles continually assault the Earth’s atmosphere and combine with air molecules to produce cascades of secondary particles. Some researchers speculate that the interaction of cosmic rays with the lower atmosphere under particular meteorological circumstances can produce ball lightning. Short-lived, very intense particle showers can result from cosmic ray collisions with air molecules. These showers could ionize air pockets, therefore providing the basis for ball lightning to develop. Moreover, the electromagnetic fields produced by these particle cascades could be able to form and maintain the brilliant spheres. Furthermore explaining the seeming random events of ball lightning is the erratic character of cosmic ray interactions with the atmosphere. Although the direct connection between cosmic rays and ball lightning is yet unknown, the widespread existence of these high-energy particles in our environment makes them an interesting choice for additional investigation in the aim to grasp this enigmatic phenomenon.
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