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Flashbang! This has just happened.

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RenikNorthEngland

Skilled Investigator
I'm posting this literally right after an incredibly weird incident that has left me pretty freaked out. I'm confused and racking my brain for an explanation.

I'm sitting at my computer, when all of a sudden there was a huge flash and a loud bang like a small gun sounding off in the corner of my room. I've uploaded a picture with an added photoshop effect to demonstrate what it looked like...its pretty close to what it actually was. Sorry for the image size...

flashbang.jpg


Two explanations immediately came to mind. Something from behind the tv exploded, but there's no sign of anything; no plugs blown, tv was on and didn't flicker...there's no other wires behind and plus the flash appeared from the centre and not emerging from out the back of TV. The mirror could have maybe reflected it to look like that but I'm almost certain that wasn't the case. The mirror does sometimes reflect cars going by out the window to the left of this picture but I've never seen anything like that and the sound was not coming from outside. To be as loud as it was, it would have echoed in the street, and because of how loud it was I'm certain it happened right in front of me.

Two years ago, my mother and I experienced a similar flash like thing. We were talking in the sitting room when a sudden bright flick of light took over a corner of the room; gone in a split second. There was no sound that time.

So what's that all about? I'm freaked out.
 
I'm posting this literally right after an incredibly weird incident that has left me pretty freaked out. I'm confused and racking my brain for an explanation. I'm sitting at my computer, when all of a sudden there was a huge flash and a loud bang like a small gun sounding off in the corner of my room ...

Did it produce any smell?
Is there any residue ( ash or smoke )?
 
So both these events happened in a corner ? And was it the same house ? Or was the house in the same area or near high tension lines? While I wouldn't disagree about having the wiring checked the fact that both these events occurred in a corner is interesting. Perhaps there's is a scenario where built up static electricity could migrate into a corner and achieve critical mass. It sounds corny but I assume if their was a smell of ozone you'd certainly recognize it...or should....and would have taken the necessary precautions
 
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So both these events happened in a corner ? And was it the same house ? Or was the house in the same area or near high tension lines? While I wouldn't disagree about having the wiring checked the fact that both these events occurred in a corner is interesting. Perhaps there's is a scenario where built up static electricity could migrate into a corner and achieve critical mass. It sounds corny but I assume if they're was a smell of ozone you'd certainly recognize it...or should....and would have taken the necessary precautions

Reason I asked that question is the house looks to be an older one and if the in wall wires are vulcanized rubber ones they degraded and perish over time.. The position of the mirror has me thinking that the flash may not have happened in the corner but was reflected there and the problem point maybe some place else in the room... just an idea to think about.

Oh and spooky/wade nice new Avatar :D
 
now THAT was a very impressive line of reasoning. Applause Applause

The mirror reflects the wall along which you can see an old style light switch and you can also see a monitor on the left hand side of the photo.. so I assume that there is a plug on the wall that side and possibly a plug board. Logical explanation is a brief short that reflected in the mirror............ Well that's my thinking anyway.
 
I've heard of things like this during thunderstorm activity, But since you didn't mention weather, I'm assuming it wasn't a factor.
 
I'm not sure if you're aware of Jung's conversations with Freud about the supernatural. Jung could predict when a loud knock would occur in a wall of Freud's office based on the psychic tension in the room. I consider it unlikely this is some sort of preternatural intelligence attempting to vibe with you. More likely, it is a manifestation of your own unconscious--which is not to say it is incorporeal or imaginary. Are you suffering from some sort of unusual tension or problems recently?
 
Capacitors have done this to me before.

A capacitor's job is to store up electrical charge and release it in small bursts. Sometimes the bigger ones short-out and explode with the pop and flash you describe. It's very disconcerting.

If one of your electronic devices is malfunctioning, look for bits of cotton-like material spattered somewhere near it.

capacitors.jpg
 
Capacitors have done this to me before.

A capacitor's job is to store up electrical charge and release it in small bursts. Sometimes the bigger ones short-out and explode with the pop and flash you describe. It's very disconcerting.

If one of your electronic devices is malfunctioning, look for bits of cotton-like material spattered somewhere near it.

capacitors.jpg
It had to be something along these lines but there's no cotton like material anywhere. There was no smoke, no smell, the plugs look fine....absolutely perplexing but it had to be something rational if not....im moving house.
 
It had to be something along these lines but there's no cotton like material anywhere. There was no smoke, no smell, the plugs look fine....absolutely perplexing but it had to be something rational if not....im moving house.
Apparently you're not the only one who has reported similar phenomena, but I haven't got an explanation for you yet. Charlie's capacitor theory was pretty good. A few more questions if you don't mind:
  1. Is that the TV or your computer in the photo? Was it turned on? Does it have speakers in it?
  2. Is there a light fixture in the ceiling above the spot where the flash happened? If there is, what kind of bulb is in the fixture? Does it still work?
  3. Are there speakers positioned on that side of the room near that display panel in the photo?
  4. Did you observe the flash directly, out of the corner of your eye, or was it not in your field of vision at all?
  5. Are you convinced at this point that there is no reasonable explanation? Why?
  6. Has anything similar occurred since?
 
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Disregarding mechanical electrical components, which seems most obvious, I'd concur with Burnt State, maybe you actually experienced something along the line of a ball lightning?

Or, as Wade mentions, maybe your carpet builds up an exceptional amount of static electricity? Or maybe a combination?

I don't know, if I were you I'd perhaps find a physics forum and ask what people think happened. (But not mention anything about paranormal concerns..)
 
It must have been from the TV but I cant find any evidence whatsoever. There was no smell, no smoke no heat spots around the back, as with the plugs nothing is blown and everythings working fine. Very strange! It was loud and it was bright and it didn't seem to emenate from the electricals but what else can it be? I've seen my fair share of blown electrics over the years but I've never seen anything like that.
 
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