Ball lightning is a theoretical discharge phenomenon that can explain the formation, lifetime, energy sources, and motion of ball lightning. The paper presents a review of literature that assumes ball lightning is produced and sustained by electric fields associated with charges dispersing along conducting paths in the earth from a lightning strike. Understanding ball lightning and the theory behind it is important for comprehending atmospheric and lightning surges.

1. Bola Petir Sebagai Bentuk Pelepasan Muatan Listrik: Suatu
Kajian Teoritikal
Syamsir Abduh
Jurusan Teknik Elektro-FTI Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta
E-mail : syamsir@trisakti.ac.id;the_abduh@hotmail.com
Telp/Fax : 021-5663232 Ext. 421/021-5605841
Abstract
In order to understand the atmospheric or lightning surges it would be important to understand the theory behind
lightning. This paper presents a review of literature of ball lightning as a discharge phenomenon. It is assumed that
ball lightning is produced and sustained by electric fields associated with charges from a lightning strike dispersing
along preferred conducting paths in the earth. The theory gives an explanation of the formation, life time, energy
sources and motion of ball lightning.
Keywords ball lightning lightning stroke, discharge phenomenon.