Remote viewing
from the English words for looking from afar
A claimed psychic ability to perceive distant targets without using the senses
Remote viewing is a practice where individuals attempt to gather information about hidden or distant subjects using only their mind. It was developed in the 1970s by physicists at Stanford Research Institute and later studied by the U.S. government.
- Developed by physicists Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff in the 1970s
- Studied by the U.S. government under the Stargate Project
- Terminated in 1995 after failing to produce actionable intelligence
- Considered pseudoscience by the mainstream scientific community
- Early experiments criticized for lack of controls and data leakage
What it is
Remote viewing is a method used to describe impressions of objects, people, or places that are not physically visible to the practitioner. The technique relies on mental perception rather than sensory input. Practitioners believe they can access details about these distant subjects through focused attention. The term distinguishes this specific protocol from general clairvoyance. It emerged as a formalized study within the field of parapsychology during the late twentieth century.
Where it comes from
The concept traces back to early spiritualist literature under names like telesthesia. Modern usage began in the early 1970s when physicists Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff started research at Stanford Research Institute. They sought to create a controlled environment for studying psychic phenomena. Ingo Swann is credited with suggesting the specific term remote viewing in 1971. The work initially received private funding before gaining government interest.
How it is done
Sessions involve a subject attempting to describe a target selected by another person. The viewer records sketches or verbal descriptions of their impressions. These accounts are then compared against the actual target data. Critics note that early experiments often lacked strict controls. Information leakage and confirmation bias were identified as significant flaws in the methodology.
Tools and materials
Researchers utilized sketch pads and written transcripts to document sessions. Target selection lists provided the reference points for comparison. Judges evaluated the accuracy of the viewer's descriptions against the known targets. The process relied heavily on statistical analysis to determine if results exceeded chance levels.
Remote viewing, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- parapsychology
- Timing
- during structured experiments
What it is for
The primary goal was to determine if humans could acquire actionable intelligence about distant locations. The U.S. military funded programs to test potential applications for espionage and strategic planning. Proponents argued it could reveal hidden information. Evaluators ultimately concluded the data produced was too vague to be useful for operations.
Who does it
Physicists and parapsychologists conducted the initial studies. Later, individuals trained as viewers participated in government-sponsored tests. Training involved learning specific protocols to filter out random thoughts. Scholars and skeptics analyzed the experimental data to assess validity.
Peoples and places
The practice is primarily associated with American scientific and military institutions. Research was centered at Stanford Research Institute and later at Fort Meade in Maryland. Canadian researchers also contributed to the broader discourse on paranormal studies. The practice did not spread as a widespread folk tradition.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
What people believe
Proponents hold that consciousness can operate independently of physical distance. They argue that certain individuals possess an enhanced ability to perceive hidden realities. Skeptics attribute reported successes to cognitive biases and flawed experimental design. The mainstream scientific community rejects the underlying theory due to a lack of evidence.
When it is done
Experiments were conducted throughout the operational years of the Stargate Project. There were no specific seasonal or religious occasions tied to the practice. Testing occurred whenever targets were available for evaluation.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Mainstream scientists classify remote viewing as pseudoscience. Studies have failed to replicate positive results under rigorous conditions. Researchers like Ray Hyman and Martin Gardner highlighted methodological errors. They pointed out the absence of a plausible theoretical framework. The consensus is that no verified psychic ability has been demonstrated.
Cautions and what is closed
The program ended because it failed to produce reliable intelligence. Critics warn that reliance on such methods can lead to poor decision-making. Fraud and deception were concerns noted by evaluators. The lack of transparency in early data sharing raised ethical questions.
Compare and confuse
It is often confused with clairvoyance and telepathy. Unlike stage magic, it claims genuine paranormal ability. It differs from standard scientific inquiry by its acceptance of unverified phenomena. Other cultures have similar concepts of distant sight, but without the experimental framework.
Questions people ask about Remote viewing
What is remote viewing?
It is a practice where individuals attempt to perceive distant or hidden targets using mental impressions rather than physical senses. It was formalized in the 1970s by researchers at Stanford Research Institute.
Where did remote viewing originate?
The term was coined in the early 1970s by physicists Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff. They built upon earlier spiritualist concepts like telesthesia to create a structured experimental protocol.
Did the U.S. government use remote viewing?
Yes, the Stargate Project ran from 1975 to 1995. It was a $20 million program designed to test if psychic phenomena could provide military intelligence. It was closed after proving ineffective.
Is remote viewing scientifically valid?
No. Mainstream science regards it as pseudoscience. Experiments have consistently failed to show results that cannot be explained by chance, bias, or flawed methodology.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Remote viewing", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.
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