The Technology Behind Ghost Hunting
Jason Hawes (right), Grant Wilson (left).
By Craig Taylor
March 11, 2010
After having a paranormal experience of his own, Jason Hawes founded TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) with friend Grant Wilson. Roto-Rooter plumbers by trade, these modern-day ghost hunters rely on the latest technology to investigate ghostly occurrences around the country.
You have probably heard of or seen their popular television series, Ghost Hunters, on SyFi Channel. The show is now in its sixth season and continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Their approach is unique and, unlike other paranormal investigators, they attempt to disprove paranormal activity during their well-controlled investigations. Jason and Grant do occasionally discover unexplained disturbances and apparitions through the use of technology. As you watch these unfold on your television set, they can send chills up your spine.
The investigations typically start in a location they have been asked to analyze by the property owners or caretakers. These locations include old abandoned hospitals, Civil War era prisons and forts, famous ships, and in some cases, ordinary homes. When the TAPS team arrives at each location they first conduct an interview with the owner about specific disturbances observed, then set up their technology equipment where these are most prominent. As night falls, the lights are turned off and the team gets down to business. Their investigative work spans through the night until morning.
Some of the devices used can be purchased off store shelves, and some have been customized and modified to assist with the in-depth analysis process of alleged hauntings. The most frequently used device is the EMF (Electromagnetic Field) detector. “The theory is that spirits are made of energy ... if they are present, this energy will manipulate the Earth’s magnetic field,” said Steve Gonsalves, Tech Manager for TAPS. When this happens, the EMF detector will register that. “If an entity needs to draw energy, it’s gonna draw it from whatever is around it ... whether it’s air, you, or batteries—that causes a drop in temperature.” Hawes added, “So any time there is a cold spot, it’s worth checking into it.” A digital temperature thermometer that reads ambient temperature is then used to measure the cold spot’s temperature. When an entity is suspected to be near, the temperature can fluctuate between 15 to 40 degrees.
During their research, the team has personally witnessed the temperature drop in just a few seconds when paranormal activity is suspected.
Another useful component is the digital voice recorder. The recorder is used to gather EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena). These are voices and sounds that cannot be heard by the human ear, but can be picked up by a recorder. An external microphone is often used to filter through other noises and amplify other sounds and voices. It is theorized that the sounds captured are from the spirit world. Jason and Grant do capture voices frequently on their television show, and in some cases the voices recorded appear to answer direct questions posed by the team. Are you getting spooked?
Perhaps the most valuable tool is the thermal imaging camera, which records in video format, hot and cold temperature fluctuations. In the recent episode, Hometown Haunts, while investigating a landmark pool hall, TAPS witnessed a child-sized entity. The anomaly appeared to manifest itself out of thin air, and then vanished just like that while being recorded. While this had a hair-raising effect on most viewers, the specialized camera technology itself is remarkable. Thermal Imaging cameras are not cheap, they start around $6,000 and can quickly go up to more than $40,000. It is indeed the most sought out technology by most paranormal investigators. When Jason and Grant visited the tunnels underneath Fort Delaware, they were also able to capture what appeared to be a full body apparition in plain sight. The entity appeared for a brief moment and disappeared into a wall.
There is also an Ion generator, which creates energy that alleged spirits can absorb. The theory is that spirits use energy and suck energy such as electricity and power from batteries to manifest themselves, move objects and communicate. The Ion generator provides the energy they need. When the team visited the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida in Season 2, an in-house developed Ion generator was used to assist the team with their research. The investigation revealed a great deal of unexplained paranormal activity, including visual and audible personal experiences by several team members.
Upon concluding their investigations, TAPS analyzes the data over the next several days. The evidence gathered is then presented to the property owners or caretakers, and they decide how to interpret it. Ghost Hunters are on SyFi Channel on Wednesday nights. Check your local listings for times.
