Orb sightings – overview

Orb sightings occur every day.

Most orbs are seen in photographs or videos in haunted places. So few people see them floating in mid-air, some researcher speculate that they can only be seen by gifted, psychic people.

What are orbs?

“Orbs” usually refer to the round, usually translucent, round or ball-shaped images that we sometimes see in photographs.

They’re usually white, but sometimes appear in pastel colors.  Rarely, they manifest as deep, rich and intense colors.

If you look at them closely, a few orbs seem to have faces in them.  Some orbs seem to be made up of tiny facets.  Most orbs appear as milky circles or spheres.

People often call them “ghost orbs,” since they seem to indicate paranormal energy.

However, the vast majority of orbs in photos can be explained naturally. Those that can’t… they’re the orb sightings that really interest ghost hunters and other researchers.

Orb sightings and the spirit world

Many people speculate about orb sightings. Some explanations include:

• Ghosts
• Angels
• Demons
• An energy field indicating a portal opening or closing
• A friendly spirit, manifesting to say hello
• A glimpse of “the light” that people describe in near-death experiences

How to see orbs

The best way to see orbs is to take lots of photos in haunted locations, or places where people have seen (or photographed) orbs in the past.

These may include:

• Cemeteries
• Battlegrounds
• Theatres (or buildings that used to have stage performances)
• Older hotels
• Living history museums
• Historic homes (especially pre-1890 and open to the public)

Take dozens of photos, if you can.  Study them closely for orbs.

Once you see orbs in your photos, you’ll probably want to take many more photos of  ghost orbs.

Also, if you’re someone who can see orbs floating in mid-air, photos can help you know what to look for, and improve your orb-spotting skills.

Tips for orb photography

• Day or night, use the flash on your camera.  It’s possible to photograph orbs during the daytime (see the orb on my book cover for The Ghosts of Austin, Texas) , but a flash seems to improve results.
• Always take two or three photos in a row, as quickly as possible and without changing position. See if the same orb or orbs are in all photos; if so, there may be a normal explanation.
• Save all of your photos until you know the many forms that orbs can take: Different colors, sizes, levels of contrast.

Tips for orb sightings

If you’re one of the fortunate few who see orbs floating in mid-air, here are tips to help you see more of them.

• Practice your orb-spotting skills. With a friend or two, visit known haunted locations.
• Most people spot orbs around dusk or immediately after it.
• When you see an orb, have friends take photos of the orb. If possible, also get photos of you with the orb to see if the locations are similar in most photos.
• Measure the temperature and EMF levels around the orb, if you have the tools to do so.

Orb sightings are a controversial topic in ghost hunting.  However, to those who are interested in ghost orbs or find comfort in them, orb sightings can be very important.