The ghost frequency is identified as 18.98 Hz. This specific frequency is linked to various anomalous sensations and has been posited as an explanation for perceived ghostly phenomena.
This particular frequency falls within the infrasound range, meaning it is below the typical threshold of human hearing (generally considered to be 20 Hz). While inaudible, infrasound can still be felt and has been associated with a range of physiological and psychological effects on humans.
The Discovery and Its Impact
The concept of the ghost frequency gained prominence through the work of researcher Vic Tandy. Tandy, while working in a supposedly haunted laboratory, noticed strange sensations and visual disturbances, including a grey ghostly figure out of the corner of his eye. He later discovered that a faulty fan in the lab was emitting vibrations at precisely 18.98 Hz.
Coincidentally, this frequency is very close to the resonant frequency at which the human eye is thought to vibrate. Tandy deduced that the ghostly figure he had seen the night before was an optical illusion caused by his eyes being affected by these inaudible sound waves. The vibration of the eyeballs, induced by the infrasound, could lead to blurred vision, distorted perceptions, and even induce the sensation of seeing something that isn't truly there.
How Infrasound Affects Perception
Infrasound, including the ghost frequency, can have several subtle yet profound effects on human perception and well-being:
- Physiological Effects: Beyond eye vibration, infrasound at certain frequencies and amplitudes can cause sensations such as pressure in the chest, feelings of unease, anxiety, cold shivers, and even difficulty breathing.
- Psychological Effects: Exposure to infrasound has been linked to feelings of dread, sorrow, and heightened emotional states, which can contribute to the interpretation of unusual experiences as paranormal.
- Optical Illusions: As demonstrated by Tandy's findings, specific infrasound frequencies can directly interfere with ocular functions, leading to visual artifacts that might be misinterpreted as apparitions or shadows.
Key Characteristics of the Ghost Frequency
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Frequency Value | 18.98 Hz |
| Category | Infrasound (below the human hearing range) |
| Primary Effect | Thought to resonate with the human eye, causing vibrations that lead to optical illusions. |
| Associated Phenomena | Perceived ghostly figures, feelings of unease, anxiety, and other inexplicable sensations often attributed to paranormal activity. |
| Origin of Name | Named for its proposed role in explaining experiences commonly interpreted as encounters with ghosts, based on the findings of Vic Tandy. |
Practical Insights
Understanding the ghost frequency provides a scientific perspective on phenomena often attributed to the supernatural. This knowledge has led to:
- Environmental Assessments: Recognizing that low-frequency vibrations can impact human perception encourages the assessment of environments for sources of infrasound that might be causing distress or unusual experiences.
- Architectural Design: Designers and engineers consider potential sources of infrasound in buildings (like HVAC systems, industrial machinery, or even natural wind patterns) to mitigate their effects on occupants.
- Myth Debunking: It offers a rational, scientific explanation for many "haunted" experiences, encouraging a critical look at seemingly paranormal events.
The ghost frequency serves as a compelling example of how subtle environmental factors, particularly those imperceptible to our standard senses, can significantly influence our perception and interpretation of the world around us.
