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Science goes ghost-hunting
Do you believe in ghosts? Or do you think science has a rational explanation for things that go bump in the night? SCOPE visits Kilmainham Gaol with scientist Kevin Nolan and some real life ghost hunters - the Paranormal Research Association of Ireland (PRAI) - to try to find out. Kilmainham Gaol was opened in 1796 and sits on an old gallows hill. Before its closure in 1924, it held some of the most famous leaders in Ireland's struggle for independence including Robert Emmet and Charles Stewart Parnell. It was also the site of more than 150 executions. Many of those executed remain buried beneath the yard. So it's not surprising that some people say Kilmainham Gaol is one of the most haunted buildings in Ireland. Measurements Supposedly, the west wing is the hot spot for spooky occurrences. Some visitors talk of unexplained footsteps going up and down the corridors. Others say they feel like they are being watched or that there is someone behind them. The SCOPE investigation set out to measure factors like night vision, motion, humidity and temperature. According to Kevin Nolan: "All changes in the environment could affect you subconsciously; making you think there could be paranormal behaviour taking place." PRAI uses a variety of instruments to check the environment. These include:
Terrified He was terrified, ending up in a foetal position on the ground and experiencing a drop in temperature and a rush of fear throughout his body. But did the instruments record anything suggesting that what Danann experienced was a result of the paranormal? While the temperature did drop by a couple of degrees, this can explained by the draft from an open window. And the EMF locator showed nothing unusual. Kevin Nolan says, "Even when you can measure many phenomena, and even sense them personally, there are still many natural possible causes. Science can never come along and say there are no ghosts. There will always be that little bit of doubt." Added Ian Murphy, founder of the PRIA, "Nine times out of ten, what you need is a plumber not a priest." Learn more Find out about a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol Is there something strange in your neighbourhood? Visit the PRAI website Learn more about the paranormal |
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