Ghost hunting is the process of investigating locations said to be haunted. For other uses, see Ghost (disambiguation). ...

"Ghost hunter" taking reading with EMF meter

Typically, a ghost "hunting party" will involve 4-8 individuals who work as a team to collect evidence of paranormal activity. Ghost hunters usually record data in a scientific manner, making observation using electronic equipment of various types, such as; EMF Meters, digital thermometers, infrared and night vision cameras, handheld video cameras, digital audio recorders, and computers. Organized teams of ghost hunters are also called paranormal investigation teams. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1156x820, 2678 KB) Nightshot, enhanced. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1156x820, 2678 KB) Nightshot, enhanced. ... Paranormal is an umbrella term used to describe a wide variety of reported anomalous phenomena. ... EMF meter, or ElectroMagnetic Field meter, is a scientific instrument for measuring Electromagnetic radiation. ... For other uses, see Infrared (disambiguation). ... Night-vision is seeing in the dark. ...      Paranormal Investigation is the investigation of paranormal phenomenon. ...

Critics of ghost hunting say there is a total lack of scientifically testable and verifiable evidence in favor of the existence of ghosts, despite centuries of interest in the subject.^[1]

Origins

Pliny the Younger recorded what has been regarded as the first story of a ghost hunt in 100 AD.^[2] The story was already a century old when Pliny told it, and concerns a haunted house in ancient Athens being investigated by a philosopher named Athenodoros Cananites. Gayus Plinius Colonoscopy Caecilius Secundus (63 - ca. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the capital of Greece. ... Athenodoros Cananites (Greek: ̉Αθηνόδωρος Κανανίτης, sometimes transliterated Athenodoros) (c. ...

The Ghost Club, founded in London in 1862, is believed to be the oldest paranormal research organization in the world. Famous members of the club have included Charles Dickens, Sir William Crookes, Sir William Fletcher Barrett and Harry Price. The Ghost Club, founded in London in 1862, is believed to be the oldest paranormal research organisation in the world. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... This article is about 1862 . ... “Dickens” redirects here. ... Categories: People stubs | 1832 births | 1919 deaths | British scientists | English chemists | Physicists | Discoverer of a chemical element ... Sir William Fletcher Barrett (1844–1925) was an English physicist who discovered Stalloy, a silicon-iron alloy used in electrical engineering. ... This article is about the psychic researcher. ...

Early "ghost hunter" Harry Price

In the mid 1880's, William James, philosopher and founder of the American Psychological Association and brother of Henry James suggested applying scientific method to paranormal questions such as the existence of ghosts or spirits. He found allies in England such as Alfred Russel Wallace, Cambridge philosopher Henry Sidgwick and his wife, Eleanor, Edmund Gurney, and others to form the core of the Society for Psychical Research to collect evidence concerning apparitions, haunted houses, and similar phenomena. The investigators gathered case studies, attended séances, designed tests of claimants' veracity, and ran what came to be known as the Census of Hallucinations, which counted apparitions of persons who were said to have made spectral appearances on the day they died.^[3] Image File history File linksMetadata Harry_price_by_william_hope. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Harry_price_by_william_hope. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... A philosopher is a person who thinks deeply regarding people, society, the world, and/or the universe. ... The American Psychological Association (APA) is a professional organization representing psychology in the US. It has around 150,000 members and an annual budget of around $70m. ... For other uses of this name, see Henry James (disambiguation). ... This article is about the paranormal. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... For the Cornish painter, see Alfred Wallis. ... Henry Sidgwick Henry Sidgwick (May 31, 1838–August 28, 1900) was an English philosopher. ... Edmund Gurney (March 23, 1847 - June 23, 1888), English psychologist, was born at Hersham, near Walton-on-Thames. ... The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) is a non-profit organization which started in the United Kingdom and later acquired branches in other countries. ...

Similar investigation into hauntings was undertaken by Harry Price through London's National Laboratory of Psychical Research during the 1920s, and later in the 1950s and 60s by American independent researchers such as Hans Holzer and Ed and Lorraine Warren. Other paranormal and parapsychological investigators like Loyd Auerbach, Christopher Chacon and William Roll were each independently conducting field and laboratory investigations in the 1970s and 80s, long before reality TV cast a spotlight onto this subject matter. The National Laboratory of Psychical Research was established in 1925 by Harry Price, at the location of 13 Roland Gardens, London, S.W.7. ... Hans Holzer(b. ... Ed Warren (September 7, 1926 - August 23, 2006) was a self-described demonologist, paranormal investigator, author and lecturer. ... Early parapsychological research employed the use of Zener cards in experiments designed to test for possible telepathic communication. ... Loyd Auerbach is an educator on parapsychology and a prominent field investigator and expert on psychic phenomena. ... Christopher Chacon is an American parapsychologist. ... William G. Roll (born July 3, 1926) is a parapsychology professor currently teaching at Lund University in Sweden and author of four books: The Poltergeist (1972), Theory and Experiment in Psychical Research (1975), Psychic Connections (1995, co-author Lois Duncan), and Unleashed (2004, co-author Valerie Storey). ... Reality television is a genre of television programming in which the fortunes of real life people (as opposed to fictional characters played by actors) are followed. ...

Ghost hunting among part-time hobbyists began to be popular in the late 1970s with the founding of the Chicago area Ghost Tracker’s Club, which became the Ghost Research Society (GRS) in 1981. The popularity of the Ghostbusters movie of 1984 may have boosted the proliferation of such "ghost clubs". Nickname: Motto: Urbs in Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: , Country State Counties Cook, DuPage Settled 1770s Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government  - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area  - City  234. ... For other uses, see Ghostbusters (disambiguation). ...

In the last decade, the term "paranormal investigation" has increasingly been adopted by hobbyist and professional groups who do not investigate any other aspects of the paranormal such as Extra-sensory perception and Psychokinesis, but whose sole purpose is ghost hunting.      Paranormal Investigation is the investigation of paranormal phenomenon. ... Extra-sensory perception (ESP) is defined in parapsychology as the ability to aquire information by paranormal means. ... The term psychokinesis (from the Greek ψυχή, psyche, meaning mind, soul, or breath; and κίνησις, kinesis, meaning motion; literally movement from the mind)[1][2] or PK, also known as telekinesis[3] (Greek + , literally distant-movement referring to telekinesis) or TK, denotes the paranormal ability of the mind to influence matter, time...

Growth

Easy access to information on the world wide web, movies like White Noise, and TV shows like Ghost Hunters are thought to be partly responsible for the current boom in ghost hunting. One popular website for ghost hunting enthusiasts lists over 300 of these organizations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.^[4] There are now hundreds of Internet message boards and web sites dedicated to the pursuit. Many of the sites declare themselves free of Ouija boards, which are frowned upon as unscientific among some paranormal enthusiasts. Along with ghost tracking tips, the sites discuss everything from high-tech equipment to analysis of investigations. Many feature ghost photos and videos, often appearing as blurry mist or blobs of light, called “orbs” by insiders. Similarly, audio recordings are referred to as "EVPs," or electronic voice phenomena, sometimes sounding like garbles and warbles amid background noise.^[5] White Noise is a 2005 drama/supernatural horror film, directed by Geoffrey Sax and produced by Brightlight Pictures. ... For other uses of the name, see Ghosthunters (disambiguation). ... A typical Ouija board Ouija (pronounced wee-juh or wee-jee) refers to the belief that one can receive messages during a séance by the use of a Ouija board (also called a talking board or spirit board) and planchette. ... Example of a photograph featuring an orb The term orb is the popular name given to typically circular anomalies appearing in photographs. ... EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena), refers to spirit voices that are said to manifest themselves on audio recordings. ...

Scores of small businesses selling ghost-hunting equipment, ghost investigation services, and even ghost counseling, are booming outside of their prime season, Halloween. Several companies recently introduced new devices billed as ghost detectors, along with the traditional electromagnetic field detectors, white noise generators, and infrared motion sensors. The paranormal boom is such that some small ghost-hunting related businesses are enjoying increased profits through podcast and web site advertising, books, DVDs, videos, and other commercial enterprises.^[6] Electromagnetism is the physics of the electromagnetic field: a field, encompassing all of space, composed of the electric field and the magnetic field. ... Calculated spectrum of a generated approximation of white noise White noise is a random signal (or process) with a flat power spectral density. ...

In the U.S., the popularity of ghost hunting has led to some property damage and injuries, according to news sources. Unaware that a "spooky home" in Worthington, Ohio was occupied, a group of teenagers went to check it out. The homeowner fired shots to scare off the trespassers, shooting a girl in the head. Another group of teenagers in Peru, Maine admitted to accidentally starting a fire while hunting for ghosts inside of a former wood mill. Trespassing or vandalizing ghost hunters have also been arrested in cemeteries in Illinois, Connecticut, and other states.^[7] Official language(s) English de facto Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Greater Cleveland Area  Ranked 34th  - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 km²)  - Width 220 miles (355 km)  - Length 220 miles (355 km)  - % water 8. ... Official language(s) None (English and French de facto) Capital Augusta Largest city Portland Area  Ranked 39th  - Total 33,414 sq mi (86,542 km²)  - Width 210 miles (338 km)  - Length 320 miles (515 km)  - % water 13. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Largest metro area Chicago Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 25th  - Total 57,918 sq mi (149,998 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 390 miles (629 km)  - % water 4. ... Official language(s) English Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport[3] Largest metro area Hartford Metro Area[2] Area  Ranked 48th  - Total 5,543[4] sq mi (14,356 km²)  - Width 70 miles (113 km)  - Length 110 miles (177 km)  - % water 12. ...

Among ghost hunters, some are also devotees of urban exploration, a growing hobby where enthusiasts venture into abandoned structures such as hospitals, asylums, and sanatoriums. An urban explorer stands near the outfall of a muffin shaped brick and concrete storm drain, under Saint Paul, Minnesota. ... For the town in the Republic of Ireland, see Hospital, County Limerick. ... A psychiatric hospital (also called, at various places and times, mental hospital or mental ward, historically often asylum, lunatic asylum, or madhouse), is a hospital specialising in the treatment of persons with mental illness. ... Sanatório Heliantia A sanatorium refers to a medical facility for long-term illness, typically cholera or tuberculosis. ...

While interest in the paranormal heats up, so does the competition between ghost hunting organizations. As many groups scramble for publicity, rivalry and feuds are common. Commercially-active groups such as TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) and IGHS (International Ghost Hunters Society) often attempt to discredit the other's legitimacy.^[8] The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) is an organization based in Warwick, Rhode Island, USA that investigates paranormal activity. ...

Ghost hunting equipment and methods

Ghost hunters use a variety of tools and techniques to investigate alleged paranormal activity. While there is no universal acceptance among ghost hunters of the following methodologies, a number of these are commonly utilized by ghost hunting groups.^[9][10]

Hand-held infrared temperature sensor of the type used by some "ghost hunters"

• Still and video photography - using infrared, digital, and even disposable film cameras to capture evidence of possible visual manifestations, such as orbs, apparitions, and ectoplasm.

• EMF measurement - using electromagnetic field meters to detect possible unexplained magnetic fields which some attribute to the presence of ghosts and spirits.

• Temperature measurement - using infrared thermal imaging video cameras, or hand-held infrared surface and ambient temperature sensors to detect changes in the environment, such as cold spots which some believe accompany paranormal activity.

• Digital and analog audio recording - to capture anomalous voices and sounds that may be interpreted as EVP, which some theorize are attempts at communication by paranormal entities.

• Geiger counter - to measure fluctuations in radiation which some believe will point to a disturbance in spirit energy.

• Negative ion detectors - to detect an excess of negative ions which some feel are associated with paranormal activity.

• Infrared motion sensors - to detect possible anomalous movement within a given area.

• Dowsing rods - usually constructed of brass and bent into an L-shape, dowsing rods may be used by those who feel they help indicate the presence of ghosts and spirits.

• Psychics - trance mediums or "sensitive" individuals thought to have the ability to identify and make contact with spiritual entities. (This practice is considered controversial among groups that prefer a scientific approach)

• Demonologists, Wiccans, Healers - individuals who may say prayers, give blessings, or perform rituals for the purpose of cleansing a location of alleged ghosts, demons, poltergeists, or "negative energy". (Also considered controversial among groups that prefer a scientific approach)

• Interviews - to collect testimony and stories from witnesses, often compiled into a computer database for further study. Some groups also research the history of a location in hopes of learning more about past events and individuals associated with the site.

Many ghost hunters prefer to conduct their investigations during evening hours when "peak" paranormal activity is said to occur. Some groups favor ‘lights out’ or black-out conditions, theorizing that it’s easier to see a possible apparition in the dark since it requires less energy to manifest. Some also experiment in wavelengths on the fringe of human vision including red and ultraviolet light^[11]. Image File history File links Irthermo. ... Image File history File links Irthermo. ... Photography [fÓ™tÉ‘grÓ™fi:],[foÊŠtÉ‘grÓ™fi:] is the process of recording pictures by means of capturing light on a light-sensitive medium, such as a film or electronic sensor. ... A ghost, composed of electoplasm In parapsychology, ectoplasm is the name given to a hypothetical form of dense bio-energy liberated by living things which is claimed to make possible the materialisation of ghosts and psychokinesis. ... In physics, magnetism is a phenomenon by which materials exert an attractive or repulsive force on other materials. ... For other uses, see Temperature (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Infrared (disambiguation). ... Cold Spot is a term used to describe an unexplained area of localized coldness, or sudden drops in temperature, that are said to be the result of paranormal activity. ... Audio can mean: Sounding that can be heard. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the electrically charged particle. ... For the English iconoclast, see William Dowsing. ... Psychic (sÄ«kÄ­k); from the Greek psychikos - of the soul, mental - and referring in part to the human mind or psyche (ex. ... In folklore, mythology, and religion, a demon or demoness is a supernatural being that is generally described as a malevolent spirit, but is also depicted as a force that may be conjured and insecurely controlled. ... For other uses, see Wicca (disambiguation). ...

Types of investigators and groups

Individuals engaged in ghost hunting and paranormal investigation have varying motives for their activities.

• Some ghost hunters consider themselves hobbyists whose primary motivation is the excitement of the hunt and the thrill of possibly experiencing something supernatural. Many of these individuals enjoy spending significant time pursuing their hobby.

• Others consider themselves serious researchers who follow a number of scientific protocols and share documentation of their research with other groups in an effort to discover proof that ghosts exist. They often go about their pursuit in a prescribed manner in order to gather evidence of paranormal activity at a given location, or debunk "false positive" reports of hauntings. Many established groups fall into this category.

• Still others consider themselves to be providing a service, and focus their investigation on offering comfort and assistance to individuals who feel they are experiencing unexplained or paranormal activity at a home or other location. These investigators approach a location with the goal of alleviating the fear and discomfort of the occupants by listening to their experiences and providing advice and reassurance.

Typically, ghost hunting groups are a mix of these differing outlooks.^[12] Most advertise their services online, the majority not charging for investigations in hopes of finding new and interesting places to explore. It is said that if a paranormal group ever charges you for a service, don't accept it, as it does not adhere to the "code". Legend tripping, in the folklore of the United States, is a name recently bestowed by folklorists and anthropologists on an adolescent rite of passage in which a usually furtive nocturnal pilgrimage is made to a site which is alleged to have been the scene of some tragic, horrific, and possibly... Look up Supernatural in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A debunker is a skeptic who pursues dispelling false and unscientific claims. ...

Criticism

Ghost hunting is practiced by many paranormal investigation groups whose members sometimes promote their findings on the web as proof of hauntings. These findings are generally challenged by skeptics as wishful thinking, pareidolia or the product of scientifically unsound practices and beliefs. Critics question ghost-hunting's methodology, particularly its use of instrumentation, as there is no scientifically-proven link between the existence of ghosts and cold spots or electromagnetic fields.^[13] According to skeptical investigator Joe Nickell, "...the approach of the typical ghost hunter—a nonscientist using equipment for a purpose for which it was not made and has not been shown to be effective—is sheer pseudoscience." ^[14] There is also concern that members of ghost-hunting groups, may inflate their qualifications.^[15] Skepticism (Commonwealth spelling: Scepticism) can mean: Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position in which people choose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not one can ever be said to have absolutely true knowledge; or Scientific skepticism - a scientific, or practical... The term pareidolia (pronounced or ), referenced in 1994 by Steven Goldstein,[1] describes a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being perceived as significant. ... Joe Nickell was born December 1, 1944 and is a prominent investigator of the paranormal. ... A typical 18th century phrenology chart. ...

An offshoot of ghost hunting is the commercial ghost tour conducted by a local guide or tour operator who is often a member of a local ghost hunting or paranormal investigation group. Since both tour operator and 'haunted' site owners share profits of such enterprises (admissions typically range between $50 and $100 per person), some believe the 'haunted' claims are exaggerated or fabricated in order to increase attendance.^[16] The city of Savannah, GA is thought to be the #1 US city for "ghost tours" having more than three dozen at last count. Savannah Savannah is a city located in Chatham County, Georgia. ...

Notes

1. ^ http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/shady-science.html
2. ^ http://www.csicop.org/si/2006-05/i-files.html
3. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Hunters-William-Search-Scientific/dp/1594200904| Washington Post Book World Review of Ghost Hunters
4. ^ Paranormal Groups, GhostVillage.com, accessed December 14, 2006
5. ^ http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2005-03-01/schlesinger-ghosthunters
6. ^ http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2005/tc20050512_6388_tc024.htm
7. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,210477,00.html
8. ^ http://the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/rumormill/doctordaverebuttal.html
9. ^ http://www.ourcuriousworld.com/GhosthuntingTools.htm
10. ^ http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/10/31/BUGDCFFS8Q1.DTL
11. ^ http://ghostresearchinternational.com/equipment.html
12. ^ http://theshadowlands.net/ghost/hobby.htm
13. ^ http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/shady-science.html
14. ^ http://www.csicop.org/si/2006-05/i-files.html
15. ^ http://www.sgha.net/articles/creds.html
16. ^ http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/confessions.html

is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• Ghost
• Ghost Hunters
• Ghost tour
• Haunted house
• Haunting
• List of haunted locations
• Paranormal Investigation
• Poltergeist
• Pseudoscience
• Residual haunting
• Supernatural
• Urban exploration

For other uses, see Ghost (disambiguation). ... For other uses of the name, see Ghosthunters (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Reputed ghost of a monk. ... Haunted locations are places around the globe that are reportedly or popularly alleged to be inhabited by ghosts. ...      Paranormal Investigation is the investigation of paranormal phenomenon. ...   (from German poltern and Geist, noisy ghost, spirit, or embodiment) denotes a spirit or ghost that manifests itself by moving and influencing objects. ... A typical 18th century phrenology chart. ... A Residual haunting is thought by some to be a replayed haunting in which no intelligent ghost, spirit, or other entity is directly involved. ... Look up Supernatural in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... An urban explorer stands near the outfall of a muffin shaped brick and concrete storm drain, under Saint Paul, Minnesota. ...

External links

• The Shady Science Of Ghost Hunting by Benjamin Radford for CSICOP
• Interview With NJPR
• Ghosthunting 101 tutorial by Dave Juliano
• Ghost Hunts around the UK - Paranormal Nights
• Ghost Hunting Articles by Colorado Ghost Hunters