OPINION PAGE
Explainer: The Difference Between St. Elmo’s Fire and ‘Santermo’
By: Raymond Sucgang (Senior Researcher, DOST-PNRI)
SANTERMO or Ball Lightning
Ball lightning appears as a glowing, spherical object that can vary in size from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter. It typically lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes and can move erratically, sometimes even entering buildings.
The exact mechanism behind ball lightning is not well understood, but it is generally believed to be associated with thunderstorms. Theories suggest it may be caused by a combination of electrical, chemical, and physical processes, possibly involving plasma or vaporized material from the ground or other surfaces.
Ball lightning can be dangerous. While it often dissipates harmlessly, there have been reports of it causing injuries, fires, and even fatalities, although such occurrences are rare.
How to Deal with It:
Stay Indoors: If you see ball lightning or Santermo, try to stay indoors and avoid going outside. Close windows and doors to minimize the chances of it entering.
Avoid Metal Objects: Since it is associated with electrical phenomena, avoid being near metal objects, electrical appliances, or wiring that could attract or conduct the charge.
Do Not Approach: If you encounter ball lightning, do not try to touch it or get too close. Keep a safe distance and wait for it to dissipate.
St. Elmo’s Fire
St. Elmo’s fire is a weather phenomenon in which a visible blue or violet glow occurs near the tips of pointed objects, such as ship masts, aircraft wings, or even tall buildings during thunderstorms. It’s named after St. Erasmus (St. Elmo), the patron saint of sailors.
St. Elmo’s fire occurs during thunderstorms when the atmosphere is highly charged with electricity. The electrical field ionizes the air around pointed objects, creating a corona discharge that emits a glow.
St. Elmo’s fire is generally harmless. It is not lightning, but rather a discharge that occurs when the electric field around an object becomes intense enough to ionize the surrounding air.
How to Deal with It:
Stay Calm: Since St. Elmo’s fire is not harmful, there is no need to take specific action. It is more of a visual spectacle than a threat.
Seek Shelter: It usually indicates that a thunderstorm is nearby, so it’s wise to seek shelter from potential lightning strikes.
While both phenomena are fascinating, ball lightning is the one that poses potential harm. If you encounter it, the best approach is to avoid it, seek shelter, and wait for it to dissipate. St. Elmo’s fire, on the other hand, is harmless and is primarily a visual manifestation of electrical activity in the atmosphere.
