Located 80 miles outside Gakuna, Alaska, HAARP is a joint U.S. Air Force-Navy venture tasked with researching and analyzing the ionosphere (the area of upper atmosphere that ranges from 35 miles above the planet's surface to approximately 500 miles, and contains a number of charged particles, including ions and electrons) in order to develop and enhance new communication and surveillance technology.

HAARP uses its high power radio frequency transmitter—a device called an Ionospheric Research Instrument, also known as "ionosphere heater"—to bombard and excite a particular section of the ionosphere and then study the results. HAARP's research aims to increase our understanding of the ionosphere to improve technology such as global positioning, radio wave communication, and even the use of the ionosphere to chart underground mineral deposits.

But to some HAARP is no mere scientific research facility performing stultifyingly dull atmospheric experiments. Some conspiracy theorists think that HAARP is, in fact, a secret government weapon being used to clandestinely attack enemies of the state under the subterfuge of natural weather phenomena. Author Jerry E. Smith posits that HAARP can trigger earthquakes, summon tsunamis, foster hurricanes, and even remotely detonate aircraft. He and others claim you can see the telltale fingerprints of HAARP meddling through unusual celestial lights and aberrant animal behavior.

What exactly are the claims of these theorists and how does the government respond to charges that it has produced a futuristic super-weapon capable of bringing damnation down from the skies?