The Nature of Ball Lightning

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Meteorology, Earth Sciences
Cover of the book The Nature of Ball Lightning by Stanley Singer, Springer US
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Stanley Singer ISBN: 9781468418668
Publisher: Springer US Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Stanley Singer
ISBN: 9781468418668
Publisher: Springer US
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

In 1837 a comprehensive discussion of lightning appeared in the Annual of the French Bureau des Longitudes with a section on ball lightning which provided for the first time a readily available source in the scientific literature of the basic properties of this curious natural phenomenon. The author, Francois Arago, was the dominant influence in the French Academy of Sciences in the nineteenth century, having become a member of that august body at the age of twenty-three. His attention alone doubtless served at that time to establish the validity of scientific interest in the problem. In addition his discussion covered some of the major questions associated with ball lightning in a nota­ bly clear-sighted, effective style. Later reconsideration of the same questions often provided no significant improvement over Arago's discussion. There followed a dauntless band of varying but always small number who attempted to account for an apparently simple natural occurrence, a ball of fire usually seen in thunderstorms, with the best knowledge that advancing science could provide. All attempts to deal with this phenomenon were in­ variably frustrated. The characteristics of ball lightning could be readily cataloged, but they firmly resisted both experimental reproduction and theo­ retical explanation. One may say that to this day there is no explanation accepted by a large number of scientists. Several investigators of great ability and considerable accomplishment in different fields of science, including Faraday, Kelvin, and Arrhenius, took note of the problem.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1837 a comprehensive discussion of lightning appeared in the Annual of the French Bureau des Longitudes with a section on ball lightning which provided for the first time a readily available source in the scientific literature of the basic properties of this curious natural phenomenon. The author, Francois Arago, was the dominant influence in the French Academy of Sciences in the nineteenth century, having become a member of that august body at the age of twenty-three. His attention alone doubtless served at that time to establish the validity of scientific interest in the problem. In addition his discussion covered some of the major questions associated with ball lightning in a nota­ bly clear-sighted, effective style. Later reconsideration of the same questions often provided no significant improvement over Arago's discussion. There followed a dauntless band of varying but always small number who attempted to account for an apparently simple natural occurrence, a ball of fire usually seen in thunderstorms, with the best knowledge that advancing science could provide. All attempts to deal with this phenomenon were in­ variably frustrated. The characteristics of ball lightning could be readily cataloged, but they firmly resisted both experimental reproduction and theo­ retical explanation. One may say that to this day there is no explanation accepted by a large number of scientists. Several investigators of great ability and considerable accomplishment in different fields of science, including Faraday, Kelvin, and Arrhenius, took note of the problem.

More books from Springer US

Cover of the book Endocytosis by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Redefining Social Problems by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Identifying, Assessing, and Treating Self-Injury at School by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Bladder Pain Syndrome by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book The Ocean Basins and Margins by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Nontarget Effects of Biological Control by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Neuroendocrinology of Aging by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Photonic Microresonator Research and Applications by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Ball Lightning by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Principles and Applications of Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Foods by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Recent Developments in Alcoholism by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Serodiagnosis of the Infectious Diseases by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Cross-Talk Noise Immune VLSI Design Using Regular Layout Fabrics by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Managing Managed Care by Stanley Singer
Cover of the book Cognitive Therapy with Couples and Groups by Stanley Singer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy