A rare and potentially scientifically significant event unfolded in Rich Valley, Alberta on the evening of July 2, when a local couple captured video footage of what appears to be ball lightning, a poorly understood atmospheric electrical phenomenon.
According to eyewitnesses Ed and Melinda Pardy, a glowing orb approximately 1–2 m (3.3-6.6 feet) in diameter appeared just above ground level shortly after a cloud-to-ground lightning strike. The object hovered around 6–7 m (20-23 feet) above the surface for 23 seconds before it disappeared with a faint “pop” sound.
The phenomenon occurred during a thunderstorm marked by multiple lightning discharges and tornado watches in effect for central Alberta. The blue-colored orb contrasts with typical fire-orange plasma and was described as a clear, contained sphere.
Frank Florian, senior manager of planetarium and space sciences at TELUS World of Science in Edmonton, commented that the video is among the most compelling visual records of a suspected ball lightning event. He noted that while plasma can occasionally persist briefly after a lightning strike, the duration and shape in this case may support a ball lightning classification.
Some weather experts and storm chasers have offered alternative interpretations. A Canadian storm chaser who contacted the video’s author reported that the phenomenon occurred facing north-east, toward an east-west road approximately 1 km (0.62 miles) from the observer’s location, where power lines are clearly visible.
Based on extensive storm experience, the individual suggested the orb was likely caused by a power-line arc, a slow-moving, lightning-induced electrical discharge progressing along the wires. The observed “pop” at the end of the event is consistent with arcing terminations, and lens flare analysis in the video reportedly shows two contact points typical of such discharges.
Other online analysts proposed a Jacobs ladder effect, an upward-moving arc between high-voltage lines enhanced by strong eastward winds. This matches the orb’s observed motion, as the glowing object drifted in the same direction as the prevailing wind. Geolocation efforts placed the event west of the junction between Township Road 564 and Range Road 31, in line with the presence of regional distribution lines.
These interpretations remain unconfirmed but align with known arc plasma behavior and historical misidentifications of ball lightning. Despite skepticism, observers acknowledged the video’s authenticity and importance, with one stating: “I can’t say with 100% certainty that it isn’t ball lightning, but I’d bet the house on it being an arc.”
Ball lightning is a rare and elusive manifestation of atmospheric electricity, characterized by luminous spheres typically appearing during or after thunderstorms. These orbs may hover, drift, or even pass through windows and structures. Durations vary from less than a second to over a minute, and some end with an explosive sound or vanish silently.
Scientific models of ball lightning remain diverse and largely unverified due to the rarity of confirmed observations. Leading hypotheses include vaporized silicon particles forming plasma balls, microwaves trapped within spherical structures, and aerosol-mediated nanobattery reactions. Despite centuries of anecdotal reports, few recorded incidents exist, with one notable spectrum-capture case from 2014 providing partial optical data.
Media reports indicate that researchers from the University of Calgary have contacted the witnesses for further information. If confirmed, the video may contribute valuable data to the study of ball lightning or lightning-induced arc phenomena.
References: 1 ‘Never seen this before’: Mysterious orb of light filmed in Alberta – CTV News – July 5, 2025
