A team of researchers from the University of Bergen has made an intriguing discovery, leveraging a highly sensitive seismometer to detect ground vibrations caused by fan celebrations during the 2026 World Cup. The instrument, capable of measuring movements with an accuracy of one-millionth of a millimeter, picked up anomalous signals during Norway's matches, particularly when the team scored goals. Professors Mathilde Sørensen and Lars Ottemöller noted that the vibrations were most pronounced when thousands of people cheered, jumped, and shouted simultaneously, generating a significant amount of energy that traveled through buildings and into the ground. This phenomenon was first observed during Norway's match against Iraq on June 17 and repeated itself during the team's 3-2 victory over Senegal on June 22-23. The researchers' findings demonstrate that human activity, in this case, collective enthusiasm, can be recorded by instruments designed to study the Earth, highlighting the interconnectedness of human behavior and the physical environment. By analyzing the data collected by the seismometer, the team has effectively measured the energetic response of the city of Bergen to the World Cup, showcasing the city's vibrant atmosphere and the power of collective celebration.

Source: Wired science