There's something fascinating about phenomena not typically explained by everyday science; however, Ghostbusters helped popularize the concept of PKE, raising questions about the world of the paranormal and how it's studied in real-life. Having become the faces of pop culture parapsychology, the Ghostbusters are perhaps among the most recognized heroes in modern mythology. However, the concept of spiritualism and paranormal investigation far predates Ghostbusters, laying the groundwork for their many proton-packing adventures.
Debuting in 1984, Ghostbusters was a film that became iconic for its novel premise, clever comedy, and colorful cast of characters. After multiple sequels, television shows, and surrounding media of every sort imaginable, the Ghostbusters franchise has accumulated over four decades of lore dealing with various supernatural occurrences. As Ghostbusters releases new sequels and ongoing spinoffs, the mythos of the series is expanding, weaving a growing legacy and raising the question of how New York's paranormal protectors will rise to the occasion with each new installment.
Ghostbusters' PKE Meters Are the Key to Their Operation
Throughout the Ghostbusters movies, there are multiple references to PKE valences, readings, and devices that can read them. Although not described in detail within the films, surrounding media, context, and paranormal investigation methods have been used to understand how PKE works in the Ghostbusters universe. Perhaps one of the most vital concepts to any Ghostbuster, it truly proves knowledge is power and that sometimes understanding the unknown is just as vital as a proton pack when facing it.
Usually described as the ability to manipulate physical objects through ethereal means (and iconically explained by Harold Ramis in Ghostbusters with a Twinkie), PKE or psychokinetic energy is a real-world term dating back at least as far back as the early 1900s. In the Ghostbusters franchise, this technology operates on a slightly different principle. Using a "PKE Meter," the Ghostbusters usually investigate cases by detecting emotional resonance and psychic activity that influences the manipulation of physical particles in a haunted area.
This concept was further explored in other Ghostbusters media, like in Ghostbusters II, where Egon Spengler conducted experiments on emotional brainwave activity and its psychic impact on the environment. The PKE meter is a crucial tool in the Ghostbusters' arsenal; it identifies the presence of a ghost, deity, or other entities based on the amount of PKE exercised and their relative power. The PKE readings may not directly help entrap the Ghostbusters' rogues, but it gives them an idea of what they're dealing with and how to stop them.
How Real-World Paranormal Investigators Detect Ghosts
Modern "Ghost Hunters" utilize various methods to detect spirits when studying hauntings. One of the most popular techniques is documenting electromagnetic field (EMF) disturbances. As early as 1861, spiritualists observed a correlation between paranormal phenomena and technology, resulting in activity such as phantom photographs, strange recordings, and malfunctioning electronics. Real-life parapsychologists often use specialized EMF detectors to check for paranormal activity.
According to Professor Johnjoe McFadden from the University of Surrey, one prevailing theory suggests that electromagnetic activity generated by the nervous system can persist after death and be picked up by these devices. Others suggest that spirits can actively manipulate energy fields to create these readings. Slightly different from the technology used by the Ghostbusters, it's easy to see where the inspiration came from and how it brought the field of parapsychology to life on the big screen.
Parapsychology and the related fields of fringe science that served as inspiration for Ghostbusters have often sparked controversy and divided opinions. Regardless of whether someone believes in ghosts and other terrifying paranormal occurrences, all can agree this world is filled with chilling mysteries. If there's one lesson that Ghostbusters teaches, it's about confronting the unknown, approaching it with an open mind, the right tools, and teamwork when the slime hits the fan.