Within Infrasound
How to Test a UFO Vibration Claim
A practical check can separate low-frequency sound clues from memory gaps, visual assumptions, and unrelated sources.
On this page
- Questions to ask witnesses about vibration and pressure
- Nearby sources to check before assuming a mystery
- Why after the fact proof is usually limited
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Introduction
Reports of a UFO that seemed to cause a deep vibration, chest pressure, window rattling or a strange bodily sensation are often cited as possible signs of infrasound. The challenge is that infrasound is difficult to confirm after the event. Low-frequency sound can come from aircraft, industrial machinery, weather systems, distant explosions, traffic, ventilation equipment and other ordinary sources, and witnesses often remember physical sensations more clearly than the surrounding environmental details. [Wikipedia]WikipediaSource details in endnotes.
A useful investigation does not begin by assuming a mysterious craft produced the vibration. Instead, it asks whether the report contains clues that fit known low-frequency sound behaviour, whether ordinary sources were present, and whether any independent records exist. In many UFO vibration cases, the most valuable evidence is not the sighting itself but the timing, location and physical details surrounding it.
Questions to ask witnesses about vibration and pressure
The first step is to separate what was directly experienced from what was inferred later.
Many UFO reports are written days, months or even years after the event. By then, a witness may remember that an object was present and assume it caused every unusual sensation. A better approach is to reconstruct the sequence carefully.
Ask:
- Did the vibration begin before the object was noticed, or only after it was seen?
- Was the sensation felt through the feet, furniture, walls or vehicle?
- Did anyone nearby feel the same thing?
- Was there a sound, a hum, a pulse or only a bodily sensation?
- Did pets react?
- Did loose objects vibrate?
- Did the feeling continue after the object disappeared?
- Was the sensation strongest indoors or outdoors?
These details matter because genuine low-frequency vibration often affects the environment as well as the witness. If several people independently describe pressure, rattling surfaces or a deep vibration at roughly the same time, that is generally more useful than a single retrospective account.
Another useful question concerns localisation. Infrasound is notoriously difficult to pinpoint because very low-frequency waves travel differently from ordinary sound. Witnesses frequently struggle to identify a direction or source. A report claiming that a vibration seemed to come from “everywhere” is not proof of infrasound, but it is more consistent with known low-frequency behaviour than a report describing a clearly directional noise. [Wikipedia]WikipediaSource details in endnotes.
Separate physical sensations from emotional reactions
Some UFO reports combine vibration claims with fear, unease, dizziness or a feeling of presence.
That does not automatically make the account unreliable. Researchers studying low-frequency sound have repeatedly examined reports of annoyance, discomfort, pressure sensations and altered mood during exposure to low-frequency noise. More recent laboratory work has also explored whether infrasound can influence stress responses even when people are not consciously aware of hearing it. PMC [The Times]thetimes.comThe Times Sensed a bump in the night?It's not ghosts - just bad vibrationsA recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience suggests that eerie feelings com…
However, investigators should record emotional effects separately from physical observations. “I felt pressure in my chest” is a different category of evidence from “I felt that something intelligent was nearby.”
Nearby sources to check before assuming a mystery
Most vibration reports become more understandable when the local environment is examined.
A common mistake is to focus entirely on the aerial sighting while ignoring the physical setting. Infrasound and low-frequency vibration have many ordinary sources.
Before treating a UFO vibration claim as anomalous, check for:
- Nearby airports and flight paths.
- Helicopter traffic.
- Heavy road transport.
- Rail lines.
- Industrial facilities.
- Quarries and blasting operations.
- Large ventilation systems.
- Wind turbines.
- Construction projects.
- Power generation equipment.
Aircraft deserve particular attention because witnesses sometimes notice vibration before recognising an aircraft overhead, especially at night or in poor visibility. Noise complaint systems maintained by aviation authorities often reveal whether aircraft activity was occurring near the reported time. [Federal Aviation Administration]faa.govFederal Aviation AdministrationNoise Complaints & InquiriesTo send a complaint or inquire about a noise concern to an airport sponsor, lo… [Federal Aviation Administration]faa.govFederal Aviation AdministrationNoise Complaints & InquiriesTo send a complaint or inquire about a noise concern to an airport sponsor, lo…
Weather conditions also matter. Strong winds, storm systems and atmospheric conditions can generate or channel low-frequency sound over long distances. Infrasound researchers routinely monitor signals from storms, volcanic activity, avalanches and other natural events because such waves can travel remarkable distances through the atmosphere. [usgs.gov]pubs.usgs.govGeological SurveyApplication of an updated atmospheric model to explore…by AM Iezzi · 2019 · Cited by 20 — Winds and temperature gradi… [usgs.gov]usgs.govget know cvo alex and infrasoundGet to know CVO: Alex and Infrasound25 Nov 2024 — Infrasound has an important role in volcano monitoring because it can help locate and l… [usgs.gov]usgs.govinfrasound volcano monitoringInfrasound for volcano monitoring | U.S. Geological Survey4 Oct 2024 — Introduction. Volcanic eruptions produce acoustic waves when volca…
Check whether the vibration fits the claimed object
One useful reality check is to compare the reported physical effect with the reported object’s behaviour.
For example:
- If witnesses describe intense ground vibration but a silent object apparently hovering far away, the claim contains a tension that needs explanation.
- If a vibration was strong enough to shake structures, multiple independent witnesses would usually be expected.
- If pressure effects were severe, nearby residents may have filed unrelated noise complaints.
The goal is not to dismiss the report but to determine whether the physical consequences described match the scale of the claimed event.
Look for independent records
The strongest vibration cases are those supported by evidence beyond witness memory.
Potential sources include:
- Local weather records.
- Air traffic data.
- Seismic monitoring stations. [community]faa.govResponse to NoiseMar 29, 2022 — Annoyance is a cumulative measure of the general adverse reaction of people to noise that causes interfer… ty noise complaints.
- Industrial incident logs.
- Security camera audio.
- Smart home recordings.
- News reports describing unusual booms or shaking.
Modern monitoring networks routinely use infrasound for detecting natural and human-made events. Volcano observatories, for example, use infrasound sensors to track eruptions, explosions and debris flows. International monitoring systems also detect large atmospheric events over enormous distances. [Wikipedia]WikipediaSource details in endnotes.
That does not mean a local UFO report will appear in those systems. Most reported sensations are far too small and localised. Still, checking whether any documented event occurred near the reported time can eliminate some possibilities or reveal overlooked explanations.
Be cautious with reconstructed timelines
Many investigations fail because the timing is uncertain.
A witness may say an event occurred “around midnight” when it actually happened an hour earlier. That difference can completely alter comparisons with aircraft tracks, weather data or industrial activity.
Whenever possible, investigators should anchor the timeline to something concrete:
- A phone call.
- A text message.
- A television programme.
- A work shift.
- A receipt.
- A photograph timestamp.
Even a rough correction can make later source checks much more reliable.
Why after-the-fact proof is usually limited
The biggest limitation in UFO vibration cases is that infrasound rarely leaves obvious evidence after the event.
Unlike a photograph, radar track or physical trace, a low-frequency acoustic event may disappear completely within seconds. Unless dedicated monitoring equipment happened to be operating nearby, there is often no direct measurement available.
This creates a common misunderstanding in UFO discussions. People sometimes assume that because a witness reported vibration, investigators should be able to prove whether infrasound was present. In reality, most cases lack the instruments needed for confirmation.
Atmospheric conditions further complicate matters. Researchers have shown that winds and temperature structure can alter how infrasound travels, making source direction and intensity difficult to reconstruct after the fact. A vibration perceived in one location may not reflect a simple straight-line path from its origin. [U.S. Geological Survey]usgs.govinfrasound volcano monitoringInfrasound for volcano monitoring | U.S. Geological Survey4 Oct 2024 — Introduction. Volcanic eruptions produce acoustic waves when volca… [arXiv]arxiv.orgOpen source on arxiv.org.
What counts as a useful clue
A vibration report is most informative when several elements line up:
- Multiple witnesses.
- Consistent descriptions.
- Precise timing.
- Independent environmental evidence.
- A plausible mechanism for low-frequency sound.
- Documentation created close to the event.
A single memory recorded years later can still be interesting, but it is rarely enough to establish that infrasound occurred.
For that reason, the most productive way to examine UFO vibration claims is not to ask, “Did a UFO create infrasound?” but rather, “What evidence shows that a low-frequency acoustic event happened at all?” Once that question is answered, the remaining explanations can be compared more realistically. [PMC]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPMCEvaluation of Low-Frequency Noise, Infrasound, and Health…by SK Chiu · 2023 · Cited by 7 — Studies have shown noise-related annoyan…
Amazon book picks
Further Reading
Books and field guides related to How to Test a UFO Vibration Claim. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
Infrasound Monitoring for Atmospheric Studies
Provides technical context for investigating vibration and low-frequency claims.
The Believing Brain
Relevant to memory, interpretation, and post-event reconstruction.
The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry
Emphasises evidence collection and investigation methods.
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Marketplace Samples
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Endnotes
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Source: Wikipedia
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound -
Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10562056/Source snippet
PMCEvaluation of Low-Frequency Noise, Infrasound, and Health...by SK Chiu · 2023 · Cited by 7 — Studies have shown noise-related annoyan...
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Source: pubs.usgs.gov
Link: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70229751Source snippet
Geological SurveyApplication of an updated atmospheric model to explore...by AM Iezzi · 2019 · Cited by 20 — Winds and temperature gradi...
-
Source: usgs.gov
Title: get know cvo alex and infrasound
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/cvo/news/get-know-cvo-alex-and-infrasoundSource snippet
Get to know CVO: Alex and Infrasound25 Nov 2024 — Infrasound has an important role in volcano monitoring because it can help locate and l...
-
Source: usgs.gov
Title: infrasound volcano monitoring
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/publications/infrasound-volcano-monitoringSource snippet
Infrasound for volcano monitoring | U.S. Geological Survey4 Oct 2024 — Introduction. Volcanic eruptions produce acoustic waves when volca...
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Source: usgs.gov
Title: listening hydrothermal activity and more yellowstone
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/listening-hydrothermal-activity-and-more-yellowstoneSource snippet
Because infrasound energy travels easily through the atmosphere, monitoring...Read more...
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Source: usgs.gov
Title: detecting snow avalanche activity using infrasound hooker valley new zealand
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/publications/detecting-snow-avalanche-activity-using-infrasound-hooker-valley-new-zealandSource snippet
Here, we...Read more...
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Source: usgs.gov
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/media/videos/role-infrasound-usgs-eruption-responseSource snippet
Role of Infrasound in the USGS Eruption ResponseInfrasound is an important tools for volcanologists, allowing them to detect eruptions, l...
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Source: usgs.gov
Title: volcano watch infrasound coming hvocan you hear it
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/news/volcano-watch-infrasound-coming-hvocan-you-hear-itSource snippet
Nuclear explosions produce infrasound that can propagate large distances...Read more...
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Source: arxiv.org
Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.05601 -
Source: arxiv.org
Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/2004.07972 -
Source: usgs.gov
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/publications/introduction-special-section-seismoacoustics-and-seismoacoustic-data-fusionSource snippet
July 7, 2023 — Recent works additionally suggest that infrasound can be used to discriminate between different volcanic processes (Watson...
Published: July 7, 2023
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Source: usgs.gov
Title: Infrasound from giant bubbles during explosive submarine eruptions
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/publications/infrasound-giant-bubbles-during-explosive-submarine-eruptionsSource snippet
October 14, 2019 — We show that the infrasound originates from the oscillation and rupture of magmatic gas bubbles that initially formed...
Published: October 14, 2019
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Source: usgs.gov
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/Source snippet
Science for a changing worldWe provide scientific information and near real-time data on current conditions that helps communities prepar...
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Source: pubs.usgs.gov
Link: https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2024/5062/c/sir20245062c.pdfSource snippet
C: Infrasound for Volcano Monitoringby AK Diefenbach · 2024 — A windscreen covers a single infrasound sensor, co-located with a seismomet...
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Source: pubs.usgs.gov
Link: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70242756Source snippet
However, infrasound sensors are usually...
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Source: pubs.usgs.gov
Title: OFR2014 1253
Link: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1253/downloads/OFR2014-1253.pdfSource snippet
Analysis of Three New Infrasound [Arrays]({{ 'arrays/' | relative_url }}) Around Kīlauea...by WA Thelen · 2015 · Cited by 8 — Infrasound is an emerging monitoring method...
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Source: usgs.gov
Title: uas based observations infrasound directionality stromboli volcano italy
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/publications/uas-based-observations-infrasound-directionality-stromboli-volcano-italySource snippet
However, infrasound sensors are usually...
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Source: usgs.gov
Title: volcano watch tonga eruption recorded hawaii infrasound network and globally
Link: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/news/volcano-watch-tonga-eruption-recorded-hawaii-infrasound-network-and-globallySource snippet
Volcano Watch — Tonga eruption recorded on Hawaii...10 Feb 2022 — Pressure waves from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption on January...
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Source: thetimes.com
Title: The Times Sensed a bump in the night?
Link: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/bump-in-the-night-pipes-ghosts-h3nx3h3f0Source snippet
It's not ghosts - just bad vibrationsA recent study published in *Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience* suggests that eerie feelings com...
-
Source: faa.gov
Link: https://www.faa.gov/noise/inquiriesSource snippet
Federal Aviation AdministrationNoise Complaints & InquiriesTo send a complaint or inquire about a noise concern to an airport sponsor, lo...
-
Source: faa.gov
Title: noise complaints
Link: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/noise_emissions/noise_complaintsSource snippet
Federal Aviation AdministrationAircraft Noise Complaints | Federal Aviation AdministrationFeb 25, 2025 — FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman i...
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Source: faa.gov
Link: https://www.faa.gov/ancirSource snippet
Federal Aviation AdministrationANCIR Service PortalJan 30, 2026 — The FAA's ANCIR Portal allows users to submit aircraft noise complaints...
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Source: faa.gov
Link: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/noise/communitySource snippet
Response to NoiseMar 29, 2022 — Annoyance is a cumulative measure of the general adverse reaction of people to noise that causes interfer...
-
Source: faa.gov
Title: noise complaint
Link: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ara/central_region/noise_complaintSource snippet
Central Region Aircraft Noise and Community Engagement...Jan 8, 2026 — We provide information on community involvement and aircraft nois...
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Source: faa.gov
Title: airport noise
Link: https://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/airport_noiseSource snippet
Federal Aviation AdministrationMar 20, 2025 — These Part 150 checklists identify the necessary components of Part 150 Noise Compatibility...
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Source: faa.gov
Link: https://www.faa.gov/noiseSource snippet
Federal Aviation AdministrationDec 13, 2024 — The FAA strives to reduce noise in ways within our purview, including conducting noise rese...
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Source: metroairports.org
Link: https://metroairports.org/documents/presentations/faa-noise-portal-presentation-2020/directSource snippet
FAA Noise PortalSep 16, 2020 — Purpose: to identify how the FAA can more efficiently and effectively respond to and address noise complai...
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Source: avo.alaska.edu
Link: https://avo.alaska.edu/about/infrasoundSource snippet
can be used to detect, locate, characterize, and quantify volcanic eruptions, providing a valuable tool for volcano monitoring.Read more...
Additional References
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Source: faa.gov
Link: https://www.faa.gov/noise/inquiries/noise-complaint-inquiry-policySource snippet
Responding to the Nation's Aviation Noise ConcernsTo better understand the FAA guidelines for processing noise complaints, we urge you to...
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Source: icben.org
Link: https://www.icben.org/2023/presenting134.pdfSource snippet
An experimental study on the perception of infrasoundThe aim of this study was to experimentally determine the hearing threshold level, a...
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Source: lfresearch.org
Link: https://lfresearch.org/Source snippet
Low Frequency ResearchAt very high intensities (typically >110 dB), infrasound can produce measurable physiological responses including b...
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Source: cltairport.com
Link: https://www.cltairport.com/community/noise/noise-advisory-forum/naf-mission-guidelines/Source snippet
NAF Mission & GuidelinesThe overall purpose is to facilitate community awareness and involvement in Airport noise management efforts, ens...
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Source: dal.noiselab.casper.aero
Link: https://dal.noiselab.casper.aero/content/1/guidelines/Source snippet
Complaints Guidelines & StandardsSubmitting Noise Complaints to the FAA. The FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman serves as a public liaison fo...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/1fd4bds/just_a_little_taste_of_the_craziness_colorado/Source snippet
All this noise is ruining my peaceful life”. FAA agrees to study the amount of noise. “This is ridiculous...
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Source: youtu.be
Link: https://youtu.be/0M1KALNibugSource snippet
"For more from Seth and how AVL Designs can assist you with your acoustical needs, please visit: [https://AVLDesigns.com..."](https://AVLDesigns.com...")...
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Source: instagram.com
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXuA-9BjKRC/Source snippet
levels and reported feeling more irritable, less interested...Read more...
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Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/USGSVolcanoes/posts/continuous-infrasound-low-frequency-acoustic-monitoring-is-now-established-in-ye/1111469761027491/Source snippet
oring System (IMS), which is intended to detect nuclear tests.Read more...
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Source: nps.gov
Title: volcano monitoring
Link: https://www.nps.gov/articles/volcano-monitoring.htmSource snippet
Monitoring Volcanoes7 Aug 2024 — Monitoring is best done at an observatory where data from infrasonic sensors can be viewed simultaneousl...
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