Advances in ball lightning research

Ball lightning is a rarely observed phenomenon whose existence is attested to by thousands of eyewitness reports, but which has so far evaded a widely accepted scientific explanation. This review paper summarizes theoretical, observational, and experimental work in the field since approximately 2000. In particular, several situations when mobile phone cameras as well as scientific instruments have been used to capture numerous events that are candidates for ball lightning sightings are considered. We evaluate recent experimental attempts to produce laboratory ball lightning, review what is known about possible ball lightning hazards, and conclude with recommendations for future research in this area.