17 January 2014 · First online (indexed publication record)
Jianyong Cen, Ping Yuan, Simin Xue
Physical review letters · Field spectroscopy observation
A luminous event associated with a cloud-to-ground lightning strike was recorded using two spectrographs. The spectrum included emissions attributed to soil elements throughout its observed duration.
Method and scope
Researchers measured changes in apparent size, colour and brightness from a distance of about 900 metres.
What to keep in mind
This is a valuable recorded event, but one observation cannot establish a single mechanism for every ball-lightning report.
Original paper & source
Read the original source record →
DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.112.035001
Indexed original abstract, citation and linked publication-status metadata reviewed through Europe PMC; full text not assessed. UKPX reference added and checked 7 November 2026. The date above belongs to the paper.