In this chapter, we will consider the possible interactions, either direct or indirect, of the lightning-generated electromagnetic fields with the brain or the visual system of humans to induce visual sensations. Some of these visual sensations are known as phosphenes in the medical literature. Since some of these visual sensations could be misinterpreted as ball lightning, this subject is of interest for lightning researchers due to the still unsolved problem of the origin of ball lightning.

Chapter Contents:

• 24.1 Introduction
• 24.2 Features of ball lightning
• 24.3 Alternative explanations
• 24.3.1 Visual sensations produced by the magnetic fields generated by lightning
• 24.3.2 Visual sensations produced by the epileptic seizures of the occipital lobe
• 24.3.2.1 Possible association with thunderstorms
• 24.4 Visual effects produced by energetic radiation
• 24.4.1 Induction of phosphenes by the energetic radiation of lightning and thunderstorms
• 24.4.1.1 Energetic electrons generated by leader steps
• 24.4.1.2 X-ray bursts from lightning
• 24.4.1.3 Terrestrial gamma rays
• 24.4.1.4 Possible effects inside airplanes
• 24.4.2 Concluding remarks concerning the possibility of phosphenes stimulation by energetic radiation of lightning and thunderstorms
• 24.5 Stimulation of phosphenes by Corona currents
• 24.6 Concluding remarks
• References

Inspec keywords: brain; lightning; atmospheric electromagnetic wave propagation

Other keywords: visual system; visual sensory excitation; lightning electromagnetic fields; lightning-generated electromagnetic fields; human brain system; ball lightning; visual sensations; phosphenes

Subjects: Atmospheric electricity; Electromagnetic wave propagation and interactions in the lower atmosphere