HAARP
The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program, an ionospheric research facility in Alaska that became the focus of weather modification and mind control conspiracy theories.
INVESTIGATION OVERVIEW
The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) was an ionospheric research facility in Gakona, Alaska, built by the U.S. Air Force, the Navy, and the University of Alaska. HAARP used a high-power transmitter array to study the ionosphere for radio communications and surveillance purposes. The facility became a lightning rod for conspiracy theories claiming it could control weather, cause earthquakes, and be used for mind control. In 2015, the facility was transferred to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which continues limited research. HAARP was not a secret — it published extensively — but its capabilities and purpose remain widely misunderstood.
KEY CLAIMS
HAARP can control weather patterns worldwide
The facility can trigger earthquakes by manipulating the ionosphere
HAARP is a mind control weapon that can affect brainwave patterns
The facility was used to create a 'military shield' against incoming missiles
HAARP caused the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
HAARP's transmission power (3.6 MW) is substantial enough to affect ionospheric regions
Declassified documents show the military funded HAARP for potential weapons applications
Patents for ionospheric modification technology exist (though never verified as operational)
The facility operated for decades with limited public information initially
Weather and seismic anomalies have been claimed to correlate with HAARP operations
COUNTER ARGUMENTS
HAARP's power output is far too low to affect weather systems or cause earthquakes
The facility's research was published in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Natural phenomena (solar flares, atmospheric patterns) better explain claimed HAARP effects
The facility was transferred to civilian academic control in 2015
The patents cited by conspiracy theorists were not implemented at HAARP
TIMELINE
HAARP program proposed by the Air Force and Navy
Construction begins at Gakona, Alaska
HAARP reaches full operational capability
Air Force announces termination of HAARP
University of Alaska Fairbanks takes over operations
KEY FIGURES
Bernard Eastlund
Physicist whose patents are cited by HAARP conspiracy theorists
Nick Begich Jr.
Author of 'Angels Don't Play This HAARP'
ORGANIZATIONS
U.S. Air Force
Military
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Academic
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Government
SOURCES
RELATED ENTITIES
PEOPLE
Bernard Eastlund
Nick Begich Jr.
ORGANIZATIONS
U.S. Air Force
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
TECHNOLOGIES
Haarp
EVENTS
HAARP program proposed by the Air Force and Navy
1990
Construction begins at Gakona, Alaska
1994
HAARP reaches full operational capability
2007
Air Force announces termination of HAARP
2014
University of Alaska Fairbanks takes over operations
2015