Kirlian photography
From SkepticWiki
[edit] Definition
Kirlian Photography is a type of photography in which an object in contact with a photographic plate in a high-voltage electric field creates an image on the plate. This was discovered in 1939, by Semyon Kirlian and his wife.
The image is explained by the “corona effect”. In a strong electric field, atoms in the normally insulating air become ionized, allowing conduction of electricity. The resulting currents can be directed by objects of varying electrical conductivity placed within the field. This current can then affect the chemicals on a photographic plate, resulting in an image when the plate is developed.
Kirlian himself had a different explanation. He believed that this technique had captured an image of a supernatural life energy or aura. Kirlian photographs have since been touted by pseudoscientific researchers as proof of the existence of auras, astral bodies, Bioenergy, Orgone energy, Meridians etc. Auras are sometimes referred to as a “Kirlian Field”, or “Kirlian Energy”. [1]
[edit] Discussion
Often cited in support of the aura theory of Kirlian photography is the “cut leaf” phenomenon. Allegedly, a leaf cut in half will still show the image of the entire leaf in Kirlian photography. This effect has never been reproduced in a controlled setting, although the extent of the image is apparently subject to many variables, such as moisture, pressure and previous use of the same plate.
Non-living objects such as needles and coins will produce Kirlian images, in patterns consistent with the “corona effect” as a cause.
A common myth is that Kirlian photographs do show that energy is being emitted from the photographed object of its own accord. In a Kirlian photograph, energy is amply supplied by the power source that maintains the electric charge on the photographed object.
