The Taos Hum: The Mysterious Sound That Plagues a Small Town
For decades, residents of Taos, New Mexico, have been haunted by a low-frequency hum—what causes this unsettling sound, and why can only some people hear it?
Case File: The Taos Hum
Case No.: 93TH-1993-NM
Classification: Unexplained Phenomenon – Acoustic Mystery
Location: Taos, New Mexico, USA
Date of First Reported Incident: Early 1990s – Present
Filed by: Local Residents and Researchers
Status: Ongoing – Phenomena Documented, Explanation Inconclusive
Incident Summary
The Taos Hum is a persistent low-frequency humming sound reported by residents in and around Taos, New Mexico, since the early 1990s. The hum is described as a low, droning noise, similar to a distant diesel engine idling, but it has no identifiable source. Strangely, only a small percentage of people can hear it, leading researchers to question whether the phenomenon is an external sound, a psychological perception, or an environmental anomaly.
The Hum has been investigated by scientists, engineers, and even government agencies, yet no definitive explanation has been found. The mystery continues to affect residents, researchers, and those sensitive to low-frequency noises, with many claiming it causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.
Phenomena Overview
The Taos Hum is linked to several strange phenomena:
Auditory Disturbances: Only 2% of the population can reportedly hear the Hum, with descriptions ranging from a faint buzz to an intense, earth-shaking vibration.
Physical Symptoms: Some individuals report experiencing headaches, dizziness, ear pressure, and nausea while hearing the Hum.
Constant and Untraceable: The Hum is persistent, often described as stronger at night and indoors. Attempts to locate its origin have been unsuccessful.
Not Detected by Audio Equipment: Standard microphones and recording devices fail to capture the sound, suggesting that it may be outside normal human hearing ranges or a psychological phenomenon.
Global Hum Phenomenon: Similar mysterious hums have been reported worldwide, including the Bristol Hum (UK), the Kokomo Hum (Indiana), and the Auckland Hum (New Zealand).
Possible Electromagnetic Interference: Some theories suggest that electromagnetic fields or low-frequency radio waves could be causing the perception of sound in certain individuals.
Investigation Overview
The Taos Hum has been extensively studied, with multiple investigations yielding inconclusive results:
1993 University of New Mexico Study: Researchers surveyed local residents and confirmed that a consistent, unidentified sound was being reported, but they were unable to pinpoint a source.
Government Involvement: The U.S. Department of Defense and Los Alamos National Laboratory analyzed the phenomenon but found no verifiable cause.
Acoustic and Electromagnetic Research: Scientists attempted to record or measure the hum using specialized audio and EMF equipment, but their findings were inconclusive.
Psychological and Neurological Theories: Some experts suggest that the Hum is a form of tinnitus, low-frequency sensitivity, or auditory hallucination triggered by environmental factors.
Press Coverage and Public Reaction
Since its first reports, the Taos Hum has gained widespread media attention and public intrigue, being featured in:
Documentaries and News Reports: The mystery has been covered by National Geographic, BBC, and The New York Times, sparking debates on the phenomenon’s nature.
Scientific Studies and Hypotheses: Researchers continue to explore possible explanations, ranging from natural geological processes to secret government projects.
Conspiracy Theories: Some believe the Hum is linked to classified military experiments, secret underground bases, or extraterrestrial activity.
Growing Global Reports: Similar hums have been reported in various locations, suggesting a larger, unidentified phenomenon.
Case Status
Despite decades of study, the Taos Hum remains an unsolved mystery. While some researchers lean toward scientific explanations, the lack of concrete evidence fuels speculation and paranormal theories. Investigations continue, but the source and nature of the Hum remain unknown.
File Archived: Case Open – Phenomena Documented, Explanation Inconclusive
Location: BUREAU ARCHIVES – Authorized Personnel Only.
The Story
It begins as a low, distant vibration, an almost imperceptible sound that some people hear in the dead of night. In the quiet town of Taos, New Mexico, reports trickle in—first a few residents, then dozens, all describing the same unshakable hum. Some say it rumbles deep within their skulls, others hear it echoing through the valleys and mountains.
By 1993, the phenomenon gains national attention. Scientists arrive, armed with audio sensors, seismographs, and electromagnetic detectors, yet no mechanical source can be found. Local legend whispers about underground tunnels, government experiments, and ancient energies that have long permeated the land.
Even today, the Hum persists. Some claim to “tune into it”, while others flee Taos entirely, unable to escape its relentless drone. Is it a natural resonance of the Earth, an unidentified technological signal, or something far more mysterious and elusive?
Do you hear the Hum? Share your experience and help unravel the mystery.