Lightning strikes around the planet set off electromagnetic waves that echo between the ground and the upper atmosphere. They settle into a steady resonance near 7.83 cycles per second. Physicist Winfried Otto Schumann predicted it in 1952.
Truth label: Established. Strong evidence and broad agreement among experts.
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Close to our brainwaves
The frequency sits near the brain's alpha range of calm rest. That overlap has inspired many ideas.
Where it gets speculative
Claims that the resonance shapes our mood or health, or that it is rising, are not supported by solid evidence.
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- A planet-sized instrument. The gap between the Earth and the ionosphere acts like a giant cavity, ringing at certain notes when lightning strikes.
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What powers the Schumann resonance?
Lightning. Around 50 lightning strikes a second keep it ringing.
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