orbs and lightning balls

I remember seeing or reading about some skeptic with a background in physics dismissing the glowing orbs or ufos, saying it was natural phenomenon that occurs during lightning storms. That it is also known as 'ball lightning' Do you think this type of phenomenon would exist outside of the earth's atmosphere? I'm no expert or anything, but I just want to make sure that all possibilites have been covered before I mistake something for what it is not.
Also anyone hear about some skeptics attempt to say ufos were the cause of earthquake activity. Let me know what yall think....