The internet is inundated with photos of orbs claiming to be evidence of ghosts. A seasoned investigator is not so quick to make this claim, however. Experience can help an investigator easily discern the difference between a bug and dust motes.

Some paranormal groups have thrown out “orb” photos altogether. Perhaps that is not the answer either. When all of the above natural causes of orbs have been ruled out, what we have left is “energy orbs”. We have taken numerous photos near and around TV's and computers and found orbs in the pictures. But that does not mean that these particular ghosts enjoy surfing the internet or catching up with the nightly news. Household appliances, even when turned off, usually emit a small amount of energy. This can account for an elevated EMF (electro-magnetic field) and the presence of orbs of energy that aren't visible with the naked eye.

If you photograph several orbs in one area, more than likely it is dust. And of course, taking photos outside during inclement weather is not advisable. If at all possible, use your camera without a flash. Dust, pollen and any type of moisture can reflect the flash and cause the orb anomaly in your picture. As a general rule, rain, snow, pollen and humidity show as a solid white ball or irregular shape in a picture.

Some photos that merit a closer examination show orbs that seem to emit their own light, those have a border around them and those that cause a shadow.

So should we ever consider photos or video containing orbs evidence or paranormal activity? There are some rare instances when we can. If for example at the same time the orb is captured, we record temperature fluctuations, e.v.p.'s (electronic voice phenomena), extremely high emf readings, then the orb requires a closer look and some serious consideration.