Cold spot
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In the terminology of ghost hunting, cold spot describes an area of localized coldness or a sudden decrease in ambient temperature with an assumed connection to alleged paranormal activity. The definition of a cold spot is "a small, defined area of intense cold (at least 10 degrees colder than the surrounding area) that can not readily be explained by other natural or mechanical causes (e.g. air conditioning, a drafty window, ice or snow).[1] "
There is no scientific evidence for such phenomena actually existing and indeed the formation of such a thing would violate the laws of thermodynamics.[2]
Background
Believers claim that cold spots are an indicator of paranormal activity in the area. A cold spot is a space, usually within a building or structure of about the size of a human where the air seems to be noticeably colder. It is usually agreed by ghost hunters and believers that a cold spot is at least 10 degrees fahrenheit colder than the rest of the room. According to the beliefs of ghost hunters; the cold air seems to be contained within an invisible bubble which they believe to be the ghost itself.[3]
Ghost hunters believe that when an entity is trying to manifest itself it draws on many sources of energy, such as the heat energy in air. As the entity draws the heat out of the air the area in that specific location becomes unusually cold, thus creating a 'cold spot'.[1][4] Unfortunately, this idea is in direct violation of the second law of thermodynamics which may be stated informally as: "No process is possible whose sole result is the transfer of heat from a cooler to a hotter body".[2]
Alleged paranormal indicator
Ghost hunters may carry thermographic cameras and infrared thermometers (which can only detect surface temperatures, rather than ambient air temperatures) to detect and document the presence of possible cold spots in the ambient air of locations that are reported to be haunted. However, more expensive infrared thermometers have ports for "K-Type" probes that do measure ambient air temperatures.[5] Ghost hunting organizations advise that the spots be checked from several different angles in order to confirm their existence and features.[5]
It is important that heat detecting devices are used to detect the actual temperature in the room because simply feeling an area of cold air can be misleading. It could be caused by the air moving in the room, which produces an effect called wind chill. Wind chill causes moving air to feel colder to us than standing air.[4]
Natural variance
Some ghost hunters warn against using cold spots as a paranormal indicator because cold spots can often be explained by natural temperature variances.[6] Skeptics also commonly dismiss them, saying that it is normal for buildings to experience temperature variations.[7] Rooms that are not properly insulated can produce what many would think to be cold spots. Failure to place enough insulation behind the drywall of a building can cause cold air to enter the room, even though there are not visible entrance points for it. A draft such as that can also be caused by an open window or door somewhere in the building. Poor insulation, or no insulation at all, can be common in very old buildings, where many supposed ghost sitings occur. The room or space that you are examining should also be carefully checked for any heat sources or sinks that could cause the cold spot to appear.[8][unreliable source?]
Depending on one's body temperature, a space may feel cold to one person while it feels warm to another. Body temperature can vary from person to person depending on health, age, anxiety, or physical strain.
See also
References
- ^ a b Long Island Paranormal Investigators. "Paranormal Terms And Definitions". Retrieved 11/7/2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b "Concept and Statements of the Second Law". web.mit.edu. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
- ^ Hawkins, Robb (2008). Getting Started in Paranormal Investigation. Robb Hawkins.
- ^ a b Townsend, Maurice. "Paranormal Cold Spots". Retrieved 10/19/2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b Danelek, Jeffry Allan "Tools of the ghost hunting trade", Our Curious World (2007-04-13)
- ^ Warren, Joshua P. (2003) "How to Hunt Ghosts: A Practical Guide" Fireside, ISBN 0-7432-3493-6
- ^ Nickell, Joe (September 2006), "Investigative Files: Ghost Hunters", Skeptical Inquirer V30#5 (2007-04-13)
- ^ Joyce, Judith (2010). The Weiser Field Guide to the Paranormal. San Francisco, CA: Weiser LLC.