With a flood of television shows switching off their lights and switching on their night vision cameras to investigate the paranormal, I thought it would be interesting, if not educational, to take a look at the latest technology available for the hunt of the haunt.  We may see these gadgets used all the time on these shows, but what are they really all about?

Probably the most common tool I have seen used on shows like Ghost Hunters, among others, is the EMF Meter, or Electromagnetic Field Meter.  A rapid increase in EMF levels is believed to indicate signs of paranormal activity, since ghosts are said to borrow energy from other sources in order to manifest themselves. Generally speaking, a good investigation starts with baseline readings of the area to be investigated, so that a massive increase in the reading of the electromagnetic energy in a certain area won’t be mistaken for paranormal activity when it is really the toaster oven that has caused the rise.

Infrared Motion Detectors are also cool little gadgets to have along for the hunt. These can be left in a room that is empty and will sound an alarm if they detect any motion. There are motion detectors that send out an infrared beam, and if the beam is cut they will sound, but more useful in a paranormal investigation are the type that have no beam, but pick up on infrared heat signatures above a temperature of absolute zero. This includes anything not visible to the naked eye, so it can be a handy-dandy partner in an investigation. Put it together with an unmanned camera in a room, and who knows what you could catch on film!

Another gadget that is fresh to the market is a handheld infrared IR flood light, recently developed by Paul Bradford at Sonoran Paranormal.  So fresh I couldn’t even find a picture for it, this light looks like one of the bigger handheld flashlights available, but it emits infrared light that is not visible to the human eye, but that vastly improves the range of the images shot with a night vision camera.  For more information on it, see this article.

Last but not least for today’s posting is the infrared thermometer.  Again, taking baseline readings with this tool at the beginning of an investigation is important to rule out any drafts accounting for temperature drops.  Extreme changes in the temperature are often felt in areas believed to be haunted and it is often said that a room or a spot in a room will go very cold just before paranormal activity manifests.

Part 2 of Ghosthunting Gadgetry will be up in a couple of days and will highlight a few other tools that are useful to have around if you plan on trying to detect any ever-elusive spirit activity.  Until then…

Yours in this life and the next!

GhOsTwRiTeR KiM