Why do streamers happen?

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: G <bog-at-cinci.rr-dot-com> 

Hello List,

I was showing a co-worker some pics of my coil, and he asked me why the 
sparks shoot out into the air, with no apparent receiving electrode. I have 
to admit, I'm at a loss to explain the phenomenon, except for 'the RF field 
becomes too strong to contain the electrons.' What is the scientific answer 
to his question?

Thank you!
Gregory


-- 
"Without ZIM, I am lost."
GeekID#-1229
http://thegeekgroup-dot-org