3 facts
Ball lightning is an unexplained atmospheric electrical phenomenon appearing as a luminous, spherical object that can last much longer than a typical lightning flash. Eyewitness accounts describe it moving slowly, sometimes even passing through solid objects like windows or airplane fuselages, baffling scientists.
An average lightning bolt carries about 5 billion joules of energy. While not all that energy is usable, it's a staggering amount, underscoring the immense power of natural electrical phenomena.
While the surface of the sun is around 9,940 degrees Fahrenheit (5,500 degrees Celsius), lightning can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (27,760 degrees Celsius). This intense heat causes the air to expand explosively, creating thunder.