***Paranormal Metrou***(imported post) ORBS....How to debunk the types of orbs captured in films or pictures... only then and after can you consider paranormal. (Information) When it comes to presenting evidence of the paranormal, pictures and videos of orbs seem to pop up everywhere. Many enthusiast ghost hunters get all excited when they see orbs in their pictures. They will argue with you that they are proof of the paranormal. Troy Taylor, author of Ghost Hunters Guidebook and president of the American Ghost Society, call these type of people orb-a-philes. These orb-a-philes will swear by orbs and will not take any rational explanations into account. They will post these photos and videos all over the internet and try to convince people that this is positive proof that ghosts exist. However, orbs are one of the most easily explained phenomenons in paranormal investigations. There are so many factors that come into play when debunking orbs in pictures and video. For serious paranormal investigators and ghost hunters, they will take a variety of environmental factors into consideration. In fact, many renowned paranormal researchers have discounted orbs as being paranormal for a number of different reasons. Does this mean all orbs in photography cant be paranormal at all? Not necessarily. The science of paranormal research has been debated for decades and will probably continue to be debated for decades to come. However, when it comes to orbs dont be so quick to play the paranormal card. First, rule out all possible explanations. Equipment Check It is always a good idea to perform a check of all equipment prior to an investigation. Be sure that camera lenses are free from smudging and dust. Also, make sure your fingers dont touch the lens during the investigation. Our fingers have natural oils that will leave a smudge residue. Smudging and dust could cause orbs to appear in your pictures. Even if you capture an orb with a pristine clean camera, it doesnt mean it is paranormal. Consider the following factors before submitting orb pictures as evidence. Dust The number one culprit orbs appearing in photographs and on video are dust and debris. According to Merriam Webster dust is fine particles of matter. This could include dead skin cells, dirt, pollen, animal dander, hair, decomposing insects, dust mites, waste from dust mites, lint, insulation from the building, and the list goes on. So what makes dust appear in film as orbs? The simple answer is retro-reflection of light off the dust particle. Many paranormal investigators and ghost hunters typically do their investigations at night. Because of this there might be flashlights involved, flash from cameras, infrared (IR) lights, and natural lights from the environment just to name a few sources of light that can cause this retro-reflection of light on dust particles. It doesnt take much light to reflect off of these dust particles and cameras are quick to pick it up. However, this doesnt mean orbs in photos taken during the day are proof of paranormal. It all comes down to retro-reflection of light regardless of the time of day or night. Many orb-a-philes may argue that there was no dust in the area. This is simply something that cannot be proven. Although our human eyes may not be able to see dust particles prior to the investigation it does not mean that dust particles are not present. Remember, dust can be a variety of different things. Even paranormal investigators or ghost hunters can bring dust particles in from the outside on their clothing without even realizing it. Even still, a human body sheds 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells every hour. Now multiply that by how many people are at the location and how long they stay for the investigation. Dust orbs can appear translucent to solid depending upon the type of dust or how close it is to the camera. Although most cases dust orbs are not bright but this doesnt mean they cant be. Insects Insects are another common problem in photographing orbs. They often appear as solid bright orbs of light. Insects are naturally curious when it comes to light sources. Have you ever noticed when you turn on a porch light that insects are attracted to it within minutes. They are just as curious even with soft infrared light. Some people may argue that there were no insects at the location. This is hard to guarantee. Many insects are very small and typically go unnoticed by most people. For example, gnats and fruit flies typically go unnoticed unless there are several. In many cases of having video evidence orbs of light that move across the screen are often debunked as insects. Even a small gnat can appear large the closer it is to the camera. Many times when insects are in-flight it creates an orb that appears to have a tail streaming behind it. Moisture When someone thinks of moisture they think of water or vapors they can see. However, our atmosphere is filled with moisture molecules that humans cannot see with their own eyes. Cameras are great at capturing moisture molecules sometimes. One example is when a group of paranormal investigators were on an investigation at a private residence, they decided to go down to the creek where a womans body was dragged. Many of the paranormal investigators began taking random pictures during EVP sessions. Many of the photos came back with octagon-shaped orbs. This would be intriguing if the paranormal investigators werent standing on large rock in the creek. Standing in a water source and the light from the cameras created a beautiful display of orbs. Not all moisture orbs are octagon. They can be a variety of shapes. They can also be a variety of colors as well. Have you ever seen a rainbow when watering your lawn or washing your car? Moisture and light create literally a rainbow of colors. Keep in mind though, that not all water molecule orbs have colors. Light Okay, so orbs are a retro-reflection of light off an object but did you know that light itself causes orbs in photographs? Take the sun for example, have you ever taken a photograph of a loved one on a sunny day and there were orbs in the picture close to the sun? This is from the suns light rays. Same thing can happen with taking a picture of another light source such as a light pole or a reflection of the cameras flash. Also, try to rule out another persons flashlight in the distance or reflecting off a wall, window, or door. In physics, the phenomenon that creates orbs in photography is actually referred to as back-scattering. Back-scattering is a diffuse reflection of waves, particles, or signals traveling back to the direction it came from. So in essence, this phenomenon can occur with more than just dust, insects, moisture, and light. Some people talk about seeing symbols, designs and even faces within the orb. Although that can be a little creepy, dont get too excited. It could just be an example of pareidolia. Pareidolia is a psychological reaction. It is when the brain is trying to process data into a recognizable shape. The best example of pareidolia is cloud watching. Have you ever just laid down and watched the clouds pass by? If so, how many times have you seen familiar shapes, such as an elephant, a car, an angel, or other things? This is pareidolia. The cloud isnt actually the shape of an elephant nor a car but your brain mixed with a splash of imagination will certainly help you see an elephant or angel in the clouds. So as you go out on your ghost hunt or paranormal investigation, consider the environment when you are taking video and still pictures. Take note of the slightest change in the environment, such as wind, rain, lights around you, or if you notice any insects. Even take note of any personal feelings or experiences at the time. This will help you when you begin to analyze the footage and photographs. It will help give you grounds to either dismiss the orbs or wonder sincerely about weather the orb in question is truly paranormal. first picture is Dust orbs the second are insects.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 02:48:27 +0000