Infrared picks up

[ShoeshineBoy]

Quote from richtrader:

Any update on this? Any explanations?

Scientists have proposed a rare phenomenon called "ball lightning" as a possible explanation. Of course, the other side counters with the fact that the pilots said that the lights seemed "intelligent"...

Here's a link:

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=5152278

 

[aphexcoil]

Quote from ShoeshineBoy:

Scientists have proposed a rare phenomenon called "ball lightning" as a possible explanation. Of course, the other side counters with the fact that the pilots said that the lights seemed "intelligent"...

Here's a link:

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=5152278

If it was indeed ball lightning, then why would it not be visible in the normal spectrum of light and only visible in the infrared?

 

[ShoeshineBoy]

Quote from aphexcoil:

If it was indeed ball lightning, then why would it not be visible in the normal spectrum of light and only visible in the infrared?

Good point. I hadn't even thought about that issue.

In spite of the approach I take a lot of times on et, I do think it's good to investigate the both sides and look for a natural explanation first.

They'll have a tough time with this one though as, if I remember right, the pilots felt the lights played cat and mouse with them...

 

[ArchAngel]

Ball lightning isn't nearly as rare as suggested in the Reuters article. In addition, depending on the energy spectra of the specific occurance, it's possible that most/all of the energy dissipation was in the infrared range. Also, ball lightning is well known to chase aircraft and people - e.g., there have been cases of ball lightning coming down a person's chimney and chasing them around the house bouncing off walls and furniture.

 

[ShoeshineBoy]

Quote from ArchAngel:

Ball lightning isn't nearly as rare as suggested in the Reuters article. In addition, depending on the energy spectra of the specific occurance, it's possible that most/all of the energy dissipation was in the infrared range. Also, ball lightning is well known to chase aircraft and people - e.g., there have been cases of ball lightning coming down a person's chimney and chasing them around the house bouncing off walls and furniture.

Interesting. Thx for the info.