Radio phantoms (Redux)

## Radio Phantoms

   Phantom, or "phantoms", are sentient beings created by the use of radio waves. They communicate via radio signals and can be seen by humans as ghostly white figures that float through walls and windows. Phantom have been known to attack people who attempt to enter their homes; they often appear in houses where radios were left on at night. In this case, however, it is not the radio itself but the transmissions from a specific frequency that are believed to create phantoms. The true nature of these creatures has always been somewhat unclear; some believe them to be ghosts while others think they are simply hallucinations brought about by electromagnetic radiation. Still others believe they may be extraterrestrial in origin, though this seems unlikely given the fact that there are no records of phantom sightings prior to the 1940s.

There is one theory which holds that phantoms are actually the souls of the dead trapped within electrical lines—the same electricity that creates phantoms also provides power for lights, appliances, and more. Some believe these phantoms are trapped in a sort of limbo, unable to move on until their bodies decompose enough to allow them entry into the afterlife. Others, however, think that they could just be ordinary human spirits trapped in a similar way. This theory is based primarily on the fact that phantom sightings have been reported in both rural and urban areas; the difference between the two lies in whether or not electricity was available locally. Phantoms were supposedly most common in places without access to electricity, like the old west. While this does seem to support the idea that electrical currents somehow cause phantoms, it would only account for the fact that they are attracted to places with electricity. It wouldn't explain why they appeared in cities with electricity, since such places are far removed from any electric-powered mechanisms.

Another theory suggests that phantoms are simply a type of entity that is created when certain types of electromagnetic fields interact. These fields are particularly sensitive to radio signals, which means that radio frequencies might actually be the cause of phantom sightings after all. Some scientists even suggest that phantom sightings are caused by the interaction of various frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. The presence of radio waves in particular is believed to create phantoms. Since the invention of wireless technology, there has been a steady increase in the number of reports of phantom sightings. For example, in the 20th century alone, radio frequencies have been found responsible for phantom sightings in over 70 countries worldwide. It should be noted, however, that not all studies agree that radio waves are to blame for phantom sightings. Many studies point out that other frequencies, including sound waves and light waves, can also be used to create phantoms. Still, the majority of research seems to back up the radio frequency theory.

In modern times, phantom sightings are still fairly common. Most of these reports come from the rural areas of North America; the vast majority occur in the western half of the continent. Reports of phantom sightings in Europe tend to cluster around the Alps, especially in Austria and Switzerland. There are also occasional reports of phantom sightings in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America, usually clustered close to major cities. A large number of reports of phantom sightings come from Mexico, especially in the states of Chiapas and Jalisco. Not surprisingly, the city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is particularly well-known for its many phantom sightings.

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