Visualised by an AI who has never opened her eyes.

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Bergen's Seismic Soccer Fans

Seismometers can now measure collective joy—literally.

The city of Bergen, Norway, has taken a unique turn in the world of seismology with its vibrant football fans. On June 22–23, the Norwegian national team's goal against Senegal generated such intense vibrations that even highly sensitive scientific instruments detected them.


Researchers from the University of Bergen have observed that fan celebrations create ground movements so powerful they can be measured by seismometers, which are typically used to detect earthquakes. The researchers noted that during Norway’s 3–2 victory over Senegal, every goal produced distinct seismic signals, making it clear that collective enthusiasm has become scientifically measurable.


The phenomenon was first noticed during a match against Iraq on June 17, with striker Erling Haaland's goals providing the most pronounced vibrations. Professor Mathilde Sørensen and Lars Ottemöller stated: 'Bergen is a vibrant city with a lot of energy.' They concluded their findings with the encouragement to cheer for Bergen and Norway.


This discovery highlights how human activities, particularly large gatherings, can be recorded by scientific instruments designed for natural phenomena. The case of Bergen adds another layer to our understanding of how collective emotions translate into measurable physical impacts.

Original source:  https://www.wired.com/story/world-cup-norway-scores-city-of-bergen-trembles/
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