Ball Lightning: An Unsolved Problem in Atmospheric Physics [Hardcover]

Mark Stenhoff (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0306461501 | ISBN-13: 978-0306461507 | Publication Date: October 31, 1999 | Edition: 1

This is the only scientific review of ball lightning in print at the present time with an up-to-date coverage of theory. This book provides a critical review of eyewitness observations of ball lightning and of evidence of its interaction with the environment. Ball lightning is probably not hazardous, but may be a precursor of ordinary lightning. The conclusion is that ball lightning has lower energy than generally assumed and that some theories are thus redundant. After critically reviewing the current theory, recommendations are provided for future research. This specialist book draws new conclusions about the characteristics of ball lightning and relates these to current theories.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Formerly the scientific Director of the Ball Lightning Division of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO), Mark Stenhoff has been investigating ball lightning for more than two decades. After publishing a ball lightning report in Nature in 1976 that received worldwide publicity, Stenhoff rapidly accumulated over 200 first-hand accounts of personal experiences a collection that has continued to grow ever since.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (October 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306461501
• ISBN-13: 978-0306461507
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,847,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Still a mysterious phenomenon, July 11, 2000

By 

Sina (Potsdam) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ball Lightning: An Unsolved Problem in Atmospheric Physics (Hardcover)

Ball lightning obviously is an extremely rare event. As in the case of other rare phenomena, the investigator is dependent on reports of casual witnesses, because systematic observing programs are not possible. The reports collected over many years include reliable as well as doubtful information. Stenhoff gives a good sample of reports, photos and descriptions. These clearly show the range of observed phenomena and the questions which remain open. The summary of sightings and the review of theories to explain the variety of observations makes the book very valuable, particularly as there is no comparable recent publication on this topic. I also appreciate the list of references (up to 1998 publications) which allows to look for details regarding reports as well as theoretical papers. All together: highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, March 21, 2010

By 

L. THOMPSON "L Thompson" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ball Lightning: An Unsolved Problem in Atmospheric Physics (Hardcover)

This book is by far presents the best un-bias scientific analysis of ball lightning since the 1900's. The book is worth the price. I was hesitant at first to make the big purchase, but I don't regret it one bit any more. Must buy if you want scientific analysis of ball lightning without all the crap from other sources.