Infrasound Identified as Culprit in Reported Hauntings
A groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has concluded that infrasound—low-frequency sound waves below the range of human hearing—is a likely driver of many alleged paranormal experiences. Sources such as vibrating pipes, traffic rumble, wind turbines, and climate control systems are now being implicated.
"This research provides a physical, measurable explanation for phenomena that have been attributed to spirits or ghosts for centuries," said Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire and co-author of earlier work on the topic. "Our findings suggest that the brain interprets these subtle vibrations as the presence of something else."
Background: The Science of Hauntings
Scientists have long sought environmental explanations for reported hauntings. In 2003, Dr. Wiseman led two studies at Hampton Court Palace in England and the South Bridge Vaults in Scotland—both notoriously haunted locations. Subjects walked through these sites and reported feeling unusual phenomena more often in areas rumored to be haunted, regardless of whether they knew the rumors.
Those areas also exhibited variations in magnetic fields, humidity, and lighting levels. Wiseman hypothesized that stronger magnetic fields might stimulate the brain's angular gyrus, creating a sensation that another person is present—much like electrical stimulation of that region can produce. Infrasound adds another layer to this picture, as it can trigger feelings of pressure, unease, and even visual distortions.
What This Means
The new study shifts the burden of proof away from supernatural explanations and toward measurable environmental factors. For property owners, the presence of infrasound could explain why certain rooms feel "off" or why guests report seeing apparitions. Engineers and architects may need to account for infrasound sources when designing buildings to avoid unintended "haunted house" effects.
"We're not saying all ghost stories are false, but many can be traced back to physical triggers we can now measure," said lead author Dr. Helena Schmidt of the Max Planck Institute. "This is a crucial step in demystifying a deeply human experience."
The study calls for further investigation into how infrasound interacts with other environmental cues, such as magnetic fields and lighting, to create the full spectrum of reported paranormal sensations.