Introduction
Sferics, also known as "sound of the atmosphere," are electromagnetic pulses generated by lightning during a thunderstorm, among other sources. These signals are natural phenomena that propagate through the atmosphere over long distances (though never globally like the Schumann resonances) and occur in various frequency ranges. In recent years, research into sferics has explored not only their origin and physical properties but also their effects on the human psyche. However, the field of sferics research is still in its infancy, beginning with the investigation of crackling and popping sounds during medium or longwave radio reception. Consequently, there are only studies available so far, but no definitive, established results.Origin of Sferics Signals
Sferics are generated by electrical discharges within cloud layers when warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to cloud formation. Within these clouds, air movements and friction cause the separation of electrical charges. This separation creates a strong electric field, with positive charges accumulating in the upper parts of the clouds and negative charges in the lower parts.When the potential difference between these charges becomes large enough, a discharge occurs in the form of lightning. This phenomenon is known as "cloud-to-cloud lightning," but even when the voltage is not high enough to produce visible lightning, so-called invisible "dark discharges" still occur. All of these discharges result in a sudden change in the electric field, emitting electromagnetic waves into the atmosphere. These waves, known as Sferics, can propagate over distances of more than 1,000 km and are measurable in specific frequency ranges, often between 3 kHz and 30 kHz.
Effects of Sferics on the Human Body
While electromagnetic signals, including sferics, are often associated with disruptions and negative effects (such as weather sensitivity, headaches, etc.), there is also evidence suggesting they may have positive impacts on the human psyche:• Enhancement of Mental Clarity and Relaxation
There are reports that Sferics can help calm the mind and promote mental clarity. The subtle electromagnetic impulses may stimulate the brain in a way that sharpens focus and allows for deeper relaxation.
• Improvement of Sleep
Some studies suggest that Sferics may improve sleep quality. This could be due to the natural vibrations generated by Sferics, which help stabilize the body’s sleep-wake cycle and contribute to more restful sleep – and who doesn’t enjoy sleeping under a clear sky and good weather?
• Boosting Creativity
For creative activities, the natural electromagnetic activity generated by Sferics can be inspiring. Some artists and thinkers report being particularly creative and productive during times of high Sferic activity. This might be because Sferics induce a slightly altered state of consciousness in the brain, which fosters creative processes.
• Connection to Nature and Earth
Sferics have been a direct product of the natural world for over 4 billion years and and all living beings have therefore always been conditioned to it. People who spend time near thunderstorms often report feeling renewed and well after the storm passes.
• Strengthening the Immune System
It is believed that the gentle electromagnetic vibrations of Sferics may stimulate the immune system and make the body more resilient to stress. This could explain why some people feel increased vitality and energy after thunderstorms.
Three Types of Sferics Signals Identified in Research
• Normal SfericsThis is the most well-known signal. It occurs when lightning is visible. It is essentially a single, intense needle pulse that contains all frequencies and can also excite the Schumann resonances. However, due to these resonances and the low frequencies that encompass the entire Earth, it is very difficult to determine the exact origin of this signal. On the radio, it manifests as a loud – often repeated – crackling sound if the lightning strike is "somewhat" nearby.
The VLF receiver array of the private website www.blitzortung.org analyzes these normal sferics signals (in the higher frequency range around 1 kHz) and, using trigonometric calculations (similar to GPS), can determine the exact "lightning location" when multiple sensors detect the strike.
• Tweeks
Tweeks are discharges within cloud layers and are usually invisible – so-called "dark discharges." They are not nearly as energetic as normal Sferics and have a much shorter discharge path, which is why they only occur in a frequency range starting from about 3 kHz. A characteristic feature of Tweeks is the "fade-off" of the pulse, which is caused by nearby reflections from water molecules (e.g., in the clouds). The formation of Tweeks does not necessarily require the development of a thunderstorm; it's enough for cloud layers to rub against each other and exchange charge carriers. However, even without thick cloud layers, such Tweeks can occur due to certain electrostatic processes in a slightly humid atmosphere. Their signal is significantly weaker and also restricted to a frequency range between 3 and 10 kHz. These are often referred to as "Fair-Weather Sferics." These Tweeks are also the reason for the "crackling" sound on the radio.
• Whistler
These Sferics signals occur when lightning strikes near the Earth's magnetic pole, and the resulting electromagnetic waves then travel around the Earth, aligned with the magnetic field lines within the magnetosphere. A characteristic feature is the initially high frequency (around 10 kHz), which gradually decreases to about 1 kHz. This frequency change results from the dispersion of electromagnetic waves, which are deflected to varying degrees by the magnetosphere (the signals travel different distances depending on their frequency; thus, you hear the "shorter paths" = high frequency first, and the "longer paths" with lower frequency later, due to the Doppler effect). As a result, they sound like a descending whistle in a VLF receiver (not in a regular radio, which cannot receive them). Whistlers are very rare and also very weak, so they have virtually no impact on the psyche and mostly just delight the heart of a radio listening enthusiast who happens to catch one.
Soundfile source: naturalradiolab.com
