It seems that paranormal phenomena has gotten a lot of attention with tv shows such as Ghost Hunters, Medium, Ghost Whisper, and Charmed.  With every new season comes a new paranormal phenomena show.  What exactly is paranormal phenomena and why does it get such high tv ratings?

Some things that are considered as paranormal phenomena are crypto zoology events such as Bigfoot sightings or Lochness encounters, experiences with ghosts, apparitions or poltergeist, extraterrestrial experiences, such as UFO and/or alien sightings and psychic activity, including extra-sensory perception (ESP), telekinesis and telepathy.
The Bermuda Triangle and crop circles, are also considered to be paranormal activity.  

Simply put, paranormal phenomena is an experience that lacks scientific explanation.  There are lots of people who are trying to find some proof of these paranormal phenomena.  One term that is heard a lot on these shows is debunk.  Debunking is where a researcher finds a scientific explanation for the event therefore disproving the paranormal in that particular situation.  But in reality most of these researchers are looking for proof of the paranormal but they have to be realistic and try to debunk a phenomena to stay creditable.  

The National Science Foundation does not support any paranormal beliefs but that doesn't stop people in believing in the paranormal.  As a matter of fact, about 73% of polled Americans believe that some form paranormal activity exists.  Why do so many people believe in the paranormal?  People believe in paranormal phenomena because of personal experiences and/or documented cases.  The paranormal fascinates and frightens people so they want to know more.  That is why the ratings of these new paranormal tv shows is so good.