Orbs,spirit essence or dust particles?

Whenever we look at reports from investigations the word “orb” is one of the most widely used. But what is an “orb” ? In its true sense it is a circle of light, however we tend to use the word to describe moving lights caught on camcorder and unexplainable lights caught on digital camera, basically any light source that cannot be explained. Therefore maybe the term “light anomaly” would be more appropriate. So, what are the theories about these strange lights? I would like to start by saying that were I to discuss all the theories at this time this report would turn in to a trilogy therefore I will attempt to give a basic outline of this vast subject. The Believers Theories For many who believe in spirit a light anomaly is thought to be the early manifestation of a spirit, the early stages of it trying to show itself if you like. They are also in some cases believed to be life forms that travel in groups and are believed to be the human soul or life force of those that once inhabited a physical body here on earth. By some, it is also believed that ghosts prefer the form of an Orb (ball of light) because it takes less energy than full manifestation, moving objects etc.It is considered possible that small orbs take up the least amount of energy and apparitions and other fuller shapes take up the most. It is thought that more small light anomalies are caught on camera in the warmer months as in the colder parts of the year ghosts find it easier to take on shapes other than orbs. The thinking behind this is that in the colder months there is the most static electricity in the atmosphere which spirit can use to help them manifest or show themselves in different ways. The Theories Against It has been proven that certain logical reasons can explain some light anomalies caught on camera. The best known of course is dust. Dust is 3 dimensional and therefore able to reflect light. At the right angle, a camera flash or infra-red light will bounce off a dust particle and create an “orb” effect. Insects too can create this result as can spiders webs. When you consider that much investigating is done in old buildings there is usually a fair amount of dust and insect activity. Moisture in the air can also create “orbs”. On a recent photograph we captured what appeared to be thousands of orbs, however, when we got a similar result at a later date a common factor was noted, the air was full of moisture with a light mist. Another thing to bear in mind is how light can reflect off a camera lens. On some photographs what are initially thought to be light anomalies are discovered to be nothing more exciting than the flash bouncing off a surface. When using camcorders it is important to note that one camcorder will pick up infra-red glare off another even though this is not visible to the human eye, this can cause the effect of strange lights on the screen. Where does this leave us ? As investigators this leaves us with an obvious problem, when do we consider “orbs” to be paranormal. As a group we all have our own thoughts on this however there are some things on which we all agree. If we have been in a room for some time and no light anomalies have been caught and then, with no environmental changes, we have “orbs” appear we feel it is unlikely to be dust as if dust was in the area it would be fair to suggest that it would be picked up regularly in that area. We have studied dust particles caught on camera and they are usually very hazy and move in no set direction therefore when we get very bright lights that move virtually in a straight line horizontally or vertically we tend to rule out dust or indeed insects This also goes for certain orbs we get on camcorder that actually flash as they move across the screen. Insects tend to be easy to distinguish because on close inspection it is actually possible to see the wings, also the flight pattern of an insect is easily recognisable. Of most excitement to us is the light anomaly that seems to go one way across the screen and then return following the same vertical or horizontal line, this would be impossible for an insect or dust particle. Another example of when investigators get particularly excited by orbs is when they seem to appear on request. Many groups, including ours, have had instances where for a long period of time no light anomalies have been caught, and then, seemingly in response to a request for a sign, an orb is captured on film. For some, this will be seen as coincidence, for others proof that it is a sign from spirit that they are there with us. As with most paranormal topics the light anomaly issue is one which may never be fully explained. We can find many situations where “orbs” can be disproved as in any way linked to spirit, however proving those times when they may be is almost impossible. What would it take to answer the question for once and for all? I guess we won’t know that until it happens if indeed it ever does.