Definition of Orbs

An orb is a circular formation often seen with the naked eye or captured on cameras, most often digital cameras.  Appearing in various sizes and illumination, orbs can sometimes include faces and/or numbers.  Most often, they are caused by a natural phenomenon, having nothing to do with the paranormal. 

The Misconception about Orbs

There is a great orb debate happening in the field of paranormal research.  Some people believe that the bright, circular balls of light seen on digital cameras are supernatural in origin.  While a select few can have a spiritual explanation, the majority of photographic orbs are caused by lens flares, dust, moisture or bugs.  Orbs are rarely seen on 35mm or Polaroid cameras and are most often visualized on digital varieties due to their pixelation and fast shutter speeds.

Now, seeing a self-illuminated orb with the naked eye can indicate the presence of paranormal phenomena; however, this is quite rare.  In order for an orb to be possibly classified as supernatural in origin, it has to demonstrate:

- Self-illumination - not being illuminated by the camera flash or IR (infrared) illumination;
- Intelligent flight pattern independent of air current or any movement caused by the living;
- Recognizable facial appearances and/or numbers;
- Appearing in certain colors not caused by natural phenomena;
- Appearing in 3-D

Experiments for You to Do

1.  The Camera Light Experiment:  Turn on your phone's light and watch the dust orbs move around as you hold your phone up.  You can visually see dust particles move in front of your phone's light.   You can also conduct this experiment with IR lighting as well.  

2. Take some photographs with your digital camera in dusty and moist environments.  Study the orbs that appear in these captures, so you are better adept at recognizing orbs caused by these conditions. 

3. Snap photographs while aiming your camera toward the sun or a highly reflective object.  You will see what lens flare orbs look like.