Ghosts And Orbs
De BISAWiki
Though the vast majority of orbs are circular, they can be other shapes. Though the basic shape is derived from the circle of confusion, it can be modified by the diaphragm in a camera lens. This diaphragm is an adjustable opening inside the lens ('the aperture') which varies in size to let more or less light in (note that this has nothing to do with the camera shutter). Though it is usually circular, it can be other shapes, notably a diamond or hexagon. Cameras that produce diamond shaped orbs (or other odd shapes) will always produce them in this shape because of their diaphragm.
For many beginning paranormal researchers, orbs in pictures andphotographs may seem sufficient proof of supernatural contact. Thesedigital anomalies may be bright or dim, colored or white and may appearin clusters or alone. Regardless, these unusual spherical objects havecaptured the imagination of many individuals interested in theparanormal paranormal light orbs and have been cited as proof of the existence of ghosts andspirits by some researchers in the paranormal field. So what are orbs? To understand why these unusual objects appear in some pictures, it isnecessary to examine how cameras capture the images they record and toconsider the conditions under which each photograph was taken.
Believers in the paranormal explanations, however, argue that it is impossible to explain all such occurrences with a 'one-size-fits-all' explanation. Some have claimed to have seen orbs form with the naked eye, whilst others believe they have observed orbs acting intelligently. Sometimes an orb may seem to appear in a photograph or video in response to a cue such as the classic "is there anybody there?"; however, this may be due to 'confirmation bias', in that such claims do not control for occasions where an orb appears which is not in response to a cue.
Not all photographic anomalies can be definitively explained, but it islikely that more than one dust particle, insect or other reflectiveelement was present in front of the camera lens at the time thephotograph was taken. These objects are often too small to see, but canrefract light in such a way that they appear much larger and brighterthan they really are and can combine to create odd shapes and patternsvisible in photographs. In some cases, these anomalies can even appearto be more prominent than the actual subject of the picture, whichexplains why many researchers originally believed them to be paranormalin nature.
When an object in a photo is out of focus, its circles of confusion expand to appear as circles (see diagram and photo above). The larger the circle, the fainter it is, because the light is more spread out. Eventually, when the circle becomes too large, it is no longer visible at all. This places a limit on the largest 'orb' you can see in a photo. This is why you never see orbs over about one tenth of a frame size*. If orbs were real objects 'out there', you would not expect them to have such a limit on their size in a photo.
Orbs " are a general description to describe light and camera anomalies not all of which are "paranormal." When the issue of orbs are raised in the paranormal community, it comes down to what you personally believe. There are many who automatically discount orbs as anything other than paranormal. There are also just as many who will claim every orb is paranormal. I have taken thousands of pictures over the years during paranormal investigations as well as viewing photos from other investigators. I have also captured my share of dust, bugs and moisture. Below are my thoughts on how to tell the difference.
