"But what does it all mean?" is the inevitable question that is asked of a ghost researcher. As editor for the newly launched Ghost Magazine, hundreds of photos have been submitted for possible inclusion in the publication. Photos of wispy, smoky, ectoplasm, full apparitions, and ghost lights, called orbs, come in over my cyberdesk at an unprecedented rate.

The majority of the pictures that are sent in are of the round orbs, which up until lately had been considered to be definitive proof of spirit activity. However, the new research does not seem to be bearing out this claim.

This is not to say that ALL orbs are bogus. Some are not. However, what has surfaced over the last year or so has been the reality and the flaws of the very technology that has allowed the orbs to be photographed in the first place.

Troy Taylor of the Ghosts of the Prairie Organization has spent a decade ghost hunting and has written many books on ghosts. From what Troy is finding out, obtaining orbs using ONLY a digital camera, even cameras as good as Sony’s Mavica line, won't cut it when it comes to verifiable proof. This is because of the way in which the digital camera works and the way in which 'false' positives can be obtained.

One of the first things that an investigator should rule out is refraction of light toward the camera lens itself. This is sometimes called 'flashback' or 'lens flash'. This most often happens when the camera's flash hits something highly reflective, like a mirror, shiny chrome surface, or sometimes even high gloss floors. Other things can affect the lens of the digital camera as well, such as the sun's influence, or light bulbs and their intensity. The technology of the camera also comes into play. The pixels, which the camera uses, don't always translate well and they may leave an object 'untranslated'. Meaning that they leave a 'hole' in an otherwise honest picture. These holes can sometimes be labeled an orb.

Likewise, environmental factors can play a role. One of the 'insider' jokes right now is that orbs are 'just dust'. Actually, in many cases, it can very well be dust, or debris, or an insect. Some cases have turned out to be rain, snow, or humidity hanging heavy in the air. In particular, those who like to frequent cemeteries or long dark roadways need to be doubly certain, the experts say, to back up orb activity with other readings since dust and mold can be kicked up, even when one is carefully walking around.

As one can see, there are so many variables when it comes to using a digital that as a definitive ghost-hunting tool, it is useless. Now, having said that…don't get excited. I'm not suggesting everyone chuck their Sony Mavica. But, what most ghost researchers are now suggesting is to use the digital camera in a 'first sweep' type of strategy. Having located something that 'could' be spirit energy, the next step would be to provide corroborating evidence such as meter readings, EVP, and/or a backup photograph using a 35mm or other type camera.

There are a number of websites that depict 'false positives'. They offer photographic evidence, explain why the pictures are considered to be false positives, and how one can take steps to make certain that these false positives are not produced. In addition when false positives are obtained, they show how the good from the bad can be ruled out.

Most of the top researchers agree that four out of five pictures of orbs are not paranormal in nature, but are explainable. But, it is that one , which motivates us to go back into the field, researching, clicking pictures, taking meter readings and asking: What does it all mean?

To learn more about false positives, go to: Ghosts of the Prairie