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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost hunting | 6/7 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_hunting | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T09:20:17.382938+00:00 | kb-cron |
Still photography and video These may use digital, night vision, infrared, and even disposable cameras. EMF meter Used to detect possibly unexplained fluctuations in electromagnetic fields. The Safe Range EMF brand of meter, designed for use with power lines and household appliances, became popular after the Ghost Hunters television series claimed it to be "specially calibrated for paranormal investigators". The Atlantic attributes its popularity among ghost hunters to its brightly colored LED display and propensity for false positive readings. Tablet PC Used to record data, audio, video and even environmental fluctuations such as electromagnetic fields. Ambient temperature measurement Using thermographic cameras, thermal imaging cameras, infrared thermometers, and other infrared temperature sensors. All of these methods only measure surface temperature and not ambient temperature. Digital and analog audio recording These are used to capture any unexplained noises and electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), which may be interpreted as disembodied voices. Cameras are used to photograph / obtain Paranormal Photographic Capture (PPCs). Compass Some ghost hunters use a compass to determine the location of paranormal spots, similar to EMFs. Geiger counter Used to measure fluctuations in radiation. Infrared and/or ultrasonic motion sensors Used to detect possible anomalous movement within a given area, or to assist in creating a controlled environment where any human movement is detected. Air quality monitoring equipment This can assess the levels of gases such as carbon monoxide, which are thought to contribute to reports of paranormal activity. Infrasound monitoring equipment Used to assess the level of sound vibrations. Dowsing rods These are usually constructed of brass and bent into an L-shape. Ghost boxes Radio devices which randomly scan AM and FM frequencies, presenting the audio as the words of spirits Ouija board Novelty items purportedly used to communicate with spirits. Laser Grid A device which projects a laser grid onto a surface, the theory being that if the grid is broken, a shadow will be seen. Night vision Both full spectrum video and photography are used by ghost hunters to visualize areas of the light spectrum unseen by the human eye including infrared and ultraviolet. Trigger objects These are props or tools that ghost hunters claim can be used to attract an entity to interact. According to ghost hunters, this could be any object which might bring emotion or connection such as a teddy bear, photo or a wedding band, and some pieces of equipment have been designed within a trigger object in order to help detect a presence around the object. Thermographic cameras According to ghost hunters these are helpful in detecting and visualizing temperature changes during an investigation. SLS or Kinect camera This is a device that uses a pattern of infrared dots to detect objects in complete darkness. Analyzed by Kenny Biddle and found prone to spurious results when used as a non-stationary device. Vibration Activated Light Spheres Plastic balls which light up when detecting movement. These were not originally designed for paranormal investigations. Kenny Biddle found them to be very similar to commercial cat toys. Ghost hunters may employ the assistance of psychics, mediums, or clairvoyants. Trance mediums and other "sensitive" individuals are thought to have the ability to identify and make contact with spiritual entities. Demonologists, exorcists, and clergy may be brought in to say prayers, give blessings, or perform rituals for the purpose of cleansing a location of alleged ghosts, demons, poltergeists, or "negative energy". Hunters may also collect local testimony and accounts about alleged hauntings, and research the history behind the site being investigated.
=== Cold spots === According to ghost hunters, a cold spot is an area of localized coldness or a sudden decrease in ambient temperature. Temperature decreases claimed to be associated with cold spots range from a few degrees Fahrenheit to over 40 degrees. Many ghost hunters use digital thermometers or heat sensing devices to measure such temperature changes. Believers claim that cold spots are an indicator of paranormal or spirit activity in the area; however, there are many natural explanations for rapid temperature variations within structures, and there is no scientifically confirmed evidence that spirit entities exist or can affect air temperatures.
=== Orbs === Some ghost hunters claim that circular artifacts appearing in photographs are spirits of the dead or other paranormal phenomena; however, such visual artifacts are a result of flash photography illuminating a mote of dust or other particle, and are especially common with modern compact and ultra-compact digital cameras.
== Depiction in media ==
=== Television ===
==== Ghost Hunters ====
Ghost Hunters features the activities of a Warwick, Rhode Island, ghost hunting group called The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS). Since 2004, the program has garnered some of the highest ratings of any Syfy network programming, presenting a mix of paranormal investigation and interpersonal drama. It has since been syndicated on NBCUniversal sister cable channel Oxygen and also airs on the Canadian cable network, OLN. In addition to their television venture, TAPS cast members also appear at lectures, conferences and public events. Media representations have played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of ghost hunting. According to media scholar Annette Hill, ghost hunting television shows and online media foster a participatory culture where audiences often blur the lines between entertainment and belief in the paranormal. Hill argues that ghost hunting programs combine dramatic storytelling with the appearance of scientific investigation, encouraging viewers to engage emotionally and intellectually with paranormal phenomena. Viewers often participate through fan communities, social media, and amateur investigations, contributing to a feedback loop that reinforces the popularity and legitimacy of ghost hunting as both entertainment and a form of experiential belief. Hill also notes that media depictions tend to downplay skepticism, emphasizing mystery and suspense to maintain audience interest.
==== Ghost Adventures ====
Ghost Adventures premiered in 2008 on the Travel Channel. The TV series features ghost hunters Zak Bagans, Nick Groff (seasons 1–10), Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley as they investigate reportedly haunted locations hoping to collect visual or auditory evidence of paranormal activity.
=== Films ===