Paranormal Investigation – Geophone
The “Geophone” is a small device developed to measure ground movements. Originally designed to measure seismic activity, as in earthquakes and tremors, the geophone has become an increasingly popular tool in the field of paranormal investigations.
The geophone is a relatively small machine that has a square or rectangular body, a cylindrical coil on the end, and is topped by a series of 10 LED lights. The geophone is able to convert displaced ground movement or vibrations to a voltage, and lights up one or more of the LEDs depending on the strength of the displacement.
The magnetic coil is the key element of the geophone, encases in steel and held in place by springs. When a vibration effects the casing, the coil is designed to remain stable through inertia. Therefore the movement of the case causes the coil to generate an electrical charge through the stationary coil. There is no electrical power source involved in operation of the geophone.
Paranormal investigators have adapted the geophone as a vital instrument in detecting the footsteps of ghosts. Just as “phantom” footsteps can be heard and picked up on audio devices, they may effect the ground upon which they walk as well. Preliminary reports have indicated that the geophone works exceptionally well on wooden and concrete surfaces, but is less effective in carpeted areas.
The geophone has appeared on several television programs relating to paranormal investigation, including a popular episode of Sci-Fi’s “Ghost Hunters” where the TAPS team investigate the Edith Wharton Estate in Lenox, Massachusetts. However, instead of detecting footsteps, the team was trying to debunk the issue by detecting vibrations from leaky pipes.
The geophone was placed on the wooden floor of the room in which the footsteps were being heard. As the noise occurred, the geophone made no response, which does not debunk paranormal activity, but does eliminate the possibility that the noise came from old or leaky pipes.
The overwhelming response from viewers of such programs has been that the geophone does not provide conclusive evidence one way or another. It is quite possible for any outside interference, such as a car moving down the street, could easily impede the accuracy of the geophone for paranormal investigative uses.
The fact is, there will have to be a lot more research, and certainly more published attempts, of the geophone being used for ghost hunting purposes before an informed opinion can be developed by anyone.
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