Equipment Used in Paranormal Investigations

Paranormal investigators use specific equipment to detect paranormal activities.

Paranormal research exploded at the beginning of the 21st century, leading to a variety of television programs and the formation of many paranormal research and investigation societies and organizations. Over the years, these groups have begun using certain equipment that they claim helps them to record paranormal events.

Function

Paranormal events are thought to be energy-based, and therefore cause a variety of disturbances over a wide energy spectrum, including electromagnetism, light, radiation and temperature. Paranormal investigators need equipment that can detect these disturbances.

Electromagnetic Fields

A yet-proven theory exists that ghosts and electromagnetic fields are related. Thus, electromagnetic field meters (EMFs) are popular devices used by paranormal investigators. There are EMFs that detect electric, magnetic and radio frequency fields. The most popular, though, are multi-field meters, which can measure two or three of these fields.

Sounds

Sometimes electromagnetic fields emit sounds that resemble words or voices that paranormal investigators refer to as electronic voice phenomenon (EVP). To detect EVP, investigators use EVP recorders, which are basically digital voice recorders. Some of these devices play back what they are recording in real time to allow investigators to actually hear what the device is picking up.

Temperature Fluctuations

Another theory is that ghosts create cold spots, so many paranormal investigators use temperature sensors such as infrared digital thermometers that can measure temperature up to 50 feet away. There are also EMFs that can measure temperature. Thermal imaging cameras are also used for this purpose.

Recording Images

Sometimes paranormal activity can be seen as well as felt and heard. A key piece of equipment for paranormal investigators is a high-speed camera -- either digital or 35mm -- as well as a video camera, of which high-definition and infrared-capable varieties are available.

References

• Crucible Catalog: Paranormal Research Equipment
• Southwest Ghost Hunters Association: Electromagnetism for Ghost Hunters
• The Ghost Hunters Store: Cameras
• The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena: Do ghosts emit electromagnetic fields?
• The Spirit Society: The Paranormal Consciousness

Resources

• Tri-Mar Press: The Equipment List