Initial Phase of a Large Atmospheric Plasmoid Generated Above a Water Surface

A water plasmoid in atmospheric pressure air with an autonomous phase of ~500 ms is formed from a discharge above a water surface, which is powered only for 150 ms. The plasma ball has a diameter of ~20 cm and is often referred to as the ball lightning phenomena. High speed cameras and optical spectra are used for diagnostic purposes. An image of the initial phase reveals the formation of the plasma ball from the inner electrode with streamers above the water surface.