Thermal Imaging - Seeing beyond the spectrum

A thermographic camera or infrared camera is a device that forms an image using infrared radiation, similar to a common camera that forms an image using visible light. Instead of the 450–750 nanometer range of the visible light camera, infrared cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm (14 µm). Originally developed for military use during the Korean War, thermographic cameras have slowly migrated into other varied fields such as medicine, archeology, energy conservation, and the paranormal world. More recently, prices have begun to drop, fueling the adoption of infrared viewing technology in a more affordable price for paranormal studies. Advanced optics and sophisticated software interfaces continue to enhance the versatility of IR cameras and the results can be amazing. Regardless of the wide number of tools like digital cameras and digital thermometers already available and affordable for paranormal investigations, thermal cameras have undoubtedly become the most effective tools for spirit research, and the most sought after equipment. However, the expensive equipment is also the most difficult tool to use, and use properly requiring extensive training. Yet that does not detour making the top choice for every paranormal investigation team serious about research. The reason thermal cameras are such a popular choice for paranormal investigations can be attributed to the large number of benefits derived by its use. In fact, once a team possesses this technology, they will find that thermography will become an integral part of their investigation activity. As the thermal imaging cameras capture heat, not light, and can easily be used in total darkness. This is a major benefit that not even the most sophisticated of cameras can offer over a thermal imaging device. And that includes foggy and smoke, and now widely used by many firefighters during rescue operations. One of the most distinguishing features of a thermal camera is its ability to capture and indicate that an entity may be present, that would otherwise go undetected by the naked eye. As the most common claim associated with a paranormal event is the occurrence of temperature change in the presence of an entity (warmth in cold air, and cold in warm air). Extensive research has demonstrated that only a small fraction of noticeable paranormal activity is realized by a temperature change. Experience dictates that most of these temperature changes can be attributed to a ‘normal’ occurrences. A thermal imaging camera on the other hand, is the perfect tool to easily distinguish between temperature fluctuations caused by a ‘normal’ event and a ‘paranormal’ source. Owning one of these exclusive tools, is therefore on every paranormal investigators ‘wish list.’ And there are good values to be had for the thermal imaging devices over the Internet. In the Shadows Paranormal Project Our team is lucky enough to have used two of the FLIR Thermal Imaging Camcorders and at times other similar devices. In the field of paranormal investigating, we use them to detect both heat signatures and the Infra-red spectrum in identifying potential paranormal activity. FLIR has led the industry in its innovation of the devices that have most commonly been used to detect heat loss, high-power line problems with electric and utility companies, to home insulation issues. In the paranormal world world however, it was discovered to be able to identify cold/hot spots often felt during a paranormal, and even those that areas of a paranormal occurrence where no heat or cold fluctuation were even noticed. Making this device useful in detecting anomalies at even a great distance. The biggest drawback has been the cost, and had been quite prohibitive for many teams to own this units. Often in the neighborhood of $5,000 - $8,000, without a digital recording device, and exceeding $10,000 with those that do! Today the prices have dropped dramatically and can often be purchased for half the mount. Rebuilt units offering the best values. (But buyer beware - get them from a reputable reseller, and from the manufacturer who will often certify them for a short period.) ThermaCAM® EX320 Our two units are state-of-the-art uncooled infrared spectrum detectors that produce crisp thermal images that reveal even the most subtle temperature variations, including in electro-mechanical signal. The EX320 can detect the slightest hot and cold spots, often before they are even felt by the living, if at all. Our two units are different options of the same model, one a black and white unit with full digital recording capability, and the other a full color infra-red without the ability to record. Together they’re a superb addition to the ITSPP team arsenal.

Caught in the Act Thermal Imaging Devices Ghost Hunting 101