Ghost Hunting - Methods and Equipment

Methods and Equipment

Ghost hunters use a variety of techniques and tools 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.

• Still photography and video: using digital, night vision, infrared, and even disposable cameras.
• EMF meter: to detect possibly unexplained fluctuations in electromagnetic fields.
• Tablet PC: 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. It should be noted that all of these methods only measure surface temperature and not ambient temperature.
• Digital and analog audio recording: to capture any unexplained noises and electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), that may be interpreted as disembodied voices.
• Compass: some ghost hunters used compass to determine the location of paranormal spot similar like EMFs.
• Geiger counter: to measure fluctuations in radiation.
• Ion meters: to detect an excess of negative ions.
• Infrared and/or ultrasonic motion sensors: 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: to assess the levels of gases such as carbon monoxide, which are thought to contribute to reports of paranormal activity.
• Infrasound monitoring equipment: to assess the level of sound vibrations.
• Dowsing rods: usually constructed of brass and bent into an L-shape.
• Psychics, mediums, or clairvoyants: trance mediums or "sensitive" individuals thought to have the ability to identify and make contact with spiritual entities.
• Demonologists, exorcists, and clergy: 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."
• Lights out: according to ghost hunting enthusiast websites, many ghost hunters prefer to conduct their investigations during "peak" evening hours (midnight to 4 a.m.).
• Ovilus/Ghost Box: These devices are used by some investigators to provide a possible one-on-one conversation with the dead, although they are experimental in nature.
• Interviews: collecting testimony and accounts about alleged hauntings.
• Historical research: researching the history behind the site being investigated.