Thermal imaging, Thermal imaging cameras, Infrared cameras from Rapid

SEEING GHOSTS IS NO FLUKE FOR PETER

Thermal imaging cameras are widely used by building inspectors, electricians and engineers, but perhaps their most fascinating application is in the field of paranormal investigation. TV shows such as 'Most Haunted' have popularised events in which groups of people led by trained professionals spend evenings at properties thought to be haunted. They hope to emerge with an experience - and photographic or video evidence - of ghostly activity.

Peter Collins runs tours of locations in and around Southampton and the Hampshire area, and regards his Fluke TiS thermal imaging scanner as one of his most key pieces of equipment. He bought his camera from Rapid in October 2010.

'The Fluke TiS was a very big investment for my company Haunted Southampton Ltd', says Peter. 'Following a few months of research about the different types of thermal camera available on the market, we decided to purchase ours from Rapid Electronics.'

'The TiS is used widely within our tours. We use the camera prior to any investigation to source any drafts around windows, doors and roof areas. We do this as part of our base line assessments so that during the investigation we can discount people suggesting cold blasts - something that is associated with paranormal activity.' Then during the investigation itself the camera is used to measure

Some of Peter's ghost hunters using the Fluke camera at Nothe Fort, Weymouth and God's House Tower, Southampton

occurrences of unexplained sources of heat. Sometimes during an investigation people experience the sensation of being touched or feel a person walking nearby in an area that is empty. The camera captures photographic still images of these areas, which is very valuable during post-investigation analysis. The Fluke TiS can also detect heat from footsteps from empty rooms - often a reported paranormal activity - and capture such occurrences.

Equally the camera can accurately measure a sudden drop in temperature. To have a 'chilling' experience is a psychological trick played by the brain - thermal cameras provide accurate data as to whether a room is indeed becoming colder for an unknown reason.

Capturing extraordinary images

Peter says that the people who come along to his public investigations love using the Fluke camera, as it is a piece of equipment they have seen being used on television. And it has produced a spectacular image or two that could convert even the most hardened sceptic.

Image from the cells at God's House Tower, Southampton

He recalls a 'freaky but exciting' moment from an investigation at God's House Tower, a 14th-century house of correction and city gaol in Southampton. 'One of our party captured an extraordinary image inside one of the old cells. It appears to be of a person sitting down with their hands clasped in front of them as if they are chained together'.

'Many other odd things were occurring within the room, such as a drop in temperature and unexplained noises, so we knew exactly which area to focus upon. It should be emphasised that no one in the room at the time was sitting down so it could not be reflection of any sort.'

You can decide for yourself by looking at the picture the camera took. One thing is beyond doubt -the Fluke TiS will be seeking out ghosts in Southampton for some time to come.

http://www.hauntedsouthampton.com/