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Paranormal

Paranormal denotes experiences that are outside the norm and beyond scientific explanation. Even so, these events, from supernatural phenomena to extrasensory perception to ghosts, aliens and UFOs, take on a life of their own in pop culture. That’s where Live Science comes in: Our reporters dig into the latest paranormal news to debunk and even explain the science of what's really causing the seemingly supernatural.

Related Topics: Aliens, Religion, Life's Little Mysteries

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Illustration of Bigfoot, a massive, gorilla-like creature covered in dark fur, standing on a rocky mountain.

The most famous Bigfoot sightings

By Patrick Pester published 27 December 22

Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, is one of North America's most enduring legends, with thousands of people claiming to have seen the giant ape-like creature. Here are the most famous Bigfoot sightings.

Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is a small cemetery in a forest on the outskirts of Chicago that has earned a reputation as the most haunted graveyard in the United States.

11 of the most haunted places in the US

By Tom Metcalfe last updated 21 October 22

You don’t need to believe in ghosts to enjoy a ghost story.

Amulets which offer protection against the evil eye hanging on a tree in the Cappadocia region, Nevsehir, Turkey

Evil eye: History of the ancient curse

By Benjamin Radford, Callum McKelvie published 24 January 22

Reference The term evil eye might conjure images of blue symbols, often featured in bracelets or necklaces. However, these are charms, used to ward off an ancient curse

The "flying saucer" captivated the U.K. press in 1957.

Bits of Famous, Lost (and Fake) 'Flying Saucer' Turn Up in British Science Museum

By Rafi Letzter published 16 February 18

The flying saucer's copper bottom was covered in hieroglyphics, very much like the saucer discovered in Roswell, New Mexico.

Trump Meets Orb: 5 Interesting Facts About Crystal Balls

By Tia Ghose last updated 27 September 22

From their origins with the Druids to their modern manufacture, here are five facts about crystal balls.

13 Famous People Who Believe in Aliens

By Denise Chow published 19 May 17

From pop stars to actors to politicians, here are some famous people think E.T. is out there.

Does Your 'Self' Have a Soul?

By Robert Lawrence Kuhn published 16 October 16

Can Your 'Self' Survive Death?

By Robert Lawrence Kuhn published 20 September 16

Spooky! Top 10 Unexplained Phenomena

By Live Science Staff published 24 March 16

Science is powerful, but it cannot explain everything. And in the vacuum of facts, some strange ideas develop.

Science of the Paranormal: Can You Trust Your Own Mind?

By Stephanie Pappas last updated 21 October 22

A trip through the scientific research into paranormal experiences leads directly to the human brain.

Mongolian Death Worm: Elusive Legend of the Gobi Desert

By Benjamin Radford published 21 June 14

The Mongolian Death Worm is said to be a large creature with spikes and acidic spit.

'Unexplained Files' Explores UFOs, Moth Men and Alien Diseases

By Tanya Lewis published 18 September 13

UFOs visit a small town in Argentina, a red-eyed winged beast terrorizes a town in West Virginia, and a bizarre disease afflicts people with inexplicable lesions, in a new Science Channel series.

A unseen person's hands hover near a crystal ball

Belief in Precognition Rises When People Feel Helpless

By Lauren Cahoon Roberts published 7 August 13

Channeling & Spirit Guides: Voices From Within, Not Beyond

By Benjamin Radford published 31 July 13

The wisdom and universal truths that are revealed by channelers are likely generated in the person's mind rather than being received from ancient spirit.

Can Our Bodies Predict the Future?

By Tia Ghose published 1 November 12

Our bodies may be able to predict the future seconds before it happens.

Ghost Hunters Sound Credible with a Little 'Science'

By Megan Gannon published 24 October 12

A sprinkling of shady science can lend undue credibility to paranormal investigators, a study found.

Paranormal beliefs are common among Americans, according to recent polls. Today's GoFigure infographic breaks down the stats.

Americans' Beliefs in Paranormal Phenomena (Infographic)

By Live Science Staff published 28 October 11

Paranormal beliefs are common among Americans, according to recent polls. Today's GoFigure infographic breaks down the stats.

What's Really Behind Paranormal Experiences (Hint: It's Not Ghosts)

By Stephanie Pappas published 5 July 11

Ghosts aren't real, says psychologist Richard Wiseman, but our brains can trick us into thinking they are.

7 Amazing Superhuman Feats

By Remy Melina published 6 May 11

The stories of superhuman feats seem to be more of an urban legend and leave many people skeptical.

10 Paranormal Videos Debunked

By Live Science Staff published 27 April 11

The public's tendency to fall for hoax videos seems to be (inexplicably) rising. Here are some of the best (worst) examples.