Orbs

[Debra Robinson]

I was recently asked by a member of this site to evalute an orb picture and provide some feedback. I provided that feedback privately and then it was suggested that I share that information here to the benefit of all the members. First, I DO NOT claim to be "the orb authority". I can only share what I know from my own experience with them from both my paranormal investigations and from my career. Essentially, I've spent a number of years teaching and training first and emergency responders and warfighters on a variety of detection technologies used to detect and identify substances in the air. Have to admit, it's been a valuable skillset to apply in my paranormal investigations, but again, I can only share what I have learned.

The picture I previewed had a beautiful orb. You could see what resembled "layers" some brighter than others. I always hate to be the bearer of bad news, and unfortunately, this is one of the times I had to deliver it. I spent quite some time looking at the picture under different magnifications. The concentric circles are nearly a dead give away, however, under magnification you could also see what looked like a substance toward the middle.

An orb like this is much like a rain drop forming. It will generally start with some sort of particulate matter of greater than 5 microns in size. As the particulate gathers a charge and additional matter it grows and you can see the layers begin to develop. Some of the matter attracted to the paticulate will be solid, some less than, some attracted merely by the electrical charge that develops with the exchange of electrons. This is why you see layers develop.

This particle will drift up and down in the atmostphere until it gains enough mass and weight to fall as rain, snow, sleet or other weather related product.

Now, this picture was taken indoors, which many people think changes that principle. Unfortunately, it's the same process. That particulate will still drift up and down in the atmostphere of the building until its' mass and weighy is sufficient to weigh it down on whatever surface it comes into contact with.

Now remember, this explaination only relates to this specific type of orb and each orb must be evaluated on its own merits. I'd like to encourage others to share their expertise and/or opinions on orbs...and please let's talk about more than the old " I don't pay attention to orbs" debate because someone told you most are worthless. None are worthless, just most are orbs can be attributed to something other than the paranormal.

Look forward to reading what everyone has to share!

[Michael J. Varhola]

Thanks, Debra! That is a well-considered response. No, I am not a fan of the "we don't consider orbs to be evidence of haunting" line, either. I certainly don't begrudge someone that opinion if it is based on experience and reflection. In most cases, however, I know very well that the people expressing that idea are just regurgitating something they've heard on a TV show and saying it because they don't actually have any ideas of their own (and are probably afraid someone might figure that out).