Kirlian Photography

The Fascinating World of Kirlian Photography

John Iovine
7 min readSep 23, 2024
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Kirlian photography is a captivating blend of science and art that has garnered interest since its development in the 1930s. This technique captures the corona discharges surrounding objects when exposed to high voltages. Its unique ability to visualize what some interpret as auras has led to both intrigue and skepticism within the scientific community and the general public alike. While some see potential applications in medical diagnostics and alternative healing practices, others dismiss it as pseudoscience. This article delves into the origins, scientific principles, controversies, and applications of Kirlian photography, shedding light on this enigmatic technique for those curious about its processes and implications.

Origins of Kirlian Photography

The technique of Kirlian photography originates from a serendipitous discovery made by Semyon Davidovitch Kirlian, a Russian electrician, in 1939. During a demonstration of a high-frequency electrotherapy device, Kirlian observed an intriguing flash of light between electrodes, prompting him to develop a means of capturing this phenomenon on photographic film. Along with his wife, Valentina, they spent over thirty years refining the process, culminating in specialized equipment that employed photographic plates and…

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John Iovine
John Iovine

Written by John Iovine

Science writer, thinker, self-experimenter, focusing on personal development and health — www.john-iovine.com

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