Ghost Hunting with Thermal Cameras and Thermometers
Paranormal investigators around the world rely on temperature-gauging equipment to help them find ghosts. But how do devices like thermal cameras and infrared thermometers work? And do they really detect spirits? Here’s a brief guide to the theory of temperature and ghosts, as well as the cameras and thermometers investigators use to find spirits.
Temperature and Ghost Hunting
The temperature theory goes like this: To manifest, spirits must draw energy, or heat, from the air around them. This causes a sudden drop in temperature, and investigators can find ghosts by taking temperature measurements and searching for cold spots. Paranormal investigation shows regularly reference cold spots in their on-air investigations. Plummeting temperatures are also a common trope in horror films.
Infrared Thermometers and Paranormal Investigations
To search for fluctuations in temperature, many paranormal investigators rely on infrared thermometers which determine an object’s temperature by evaluating the thermal radiation the object emits. Infrared thermometers are particularly useful as they can measure temperature from a distance. Other names for infrared thermometers include laser thermometers, non-contact thermometers, and temperature guns.
Here are a few of the most highly rated infrared devices. To see more, check out Amazon’s best-selling infrared thermometers.
Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer – “I would greatly recommend purchasing this over the higher end thermometers. Very solid product and definitely accurate.”
Infrared thermometer Janisa PM6530B Digital Laser Thermometer – “I love this thing. Walk around the house and identify cold spots, and compare the temps between places.”
Etekcity Lasergrip 630 Dual Laser Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer – “This is one of those products that wasn’t something I had to have, but glad I did because it’s come in handy for so many uses. It’s super easy to use.”
Fluke 62 MAX IR Thermometer, Non Contact – “This infrared thermometer is designed to take accurate temperature measurements without having to touch what you are measuring.”
Temperature Gun ennoLogic Dual Laser Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer – “Great tool that’s accurate and easy to use.”
Thermal Cameras and Ghost Hunting
A form of night vision technology, thermal cameras use infrared sensors to display infrared energy, or heat. They don’t require any ambient light and can pierce through obscurants like smoke, fog, and haze. Because of this, many investigators rely on thermal cameras to discover hot or cold spots they might not otherwise find. Like full-specturm cameras, thermal technology helps investigators see things that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Here are few highly rated thermal cameras. To see more, check out Amazon’s best-selling thermal imagers.
FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera with Image Storage – “Fascinating and beautiful instrument.”
FLIR E6: Compact Thermal Imaging Camera with 160 x 120 IR Resolution and MSX – “I can’t walk on water, but with this I can now see through it walls.”
Seek Reveal – All In One Handheld Thermal Imager with Flashlight – “If you are specifically looking at a heat source or otherwise trying to use this as a tool to find a heat source (or cold) at short range, this does a good job.”
Seek Thermal Compact Imager for iOS-Apple – “The price-effective thermal camera I’ve been waiting for.”
Of course, not everyone believes temperature-gauging devices can find ghosts. Critics believe cold spots can be explained away by drafts, AC units, and countless other causes. They also point out that’s there no evidence for a relationship between heat and ghosts. What do you believe?
