Are Orbs Ghosts or Just Dust? How to Tell the Difference
- Desirae-Haunted Traverse
- 2 minutes ago
- 6 min read
If you’ve ever captured a glowing sphere in a photograph, you’ve likely asked the same question thousands of others have: Is this a spirit — or just dust?
Orb photographs are one of the most common forms of paranormal evidence shared online. They are also one of the most misunderstood. Some people immediately dismiss them as camera artifacts. Others interpret them as spiritual presence.
The truth sits somewhere in between. Understanding the difference requires three things:
• Basic knowledge of photography
• Environmental awareness
• Emotional discernment
Let’s break this down properly.
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The Most Common Cause of Orbs: Dust and Moisture
The overwhelming majority of orb photographs are caused by environmental particles reflecting light from a camera flash.
Air contains:
• Dust
• Pollen
• Moisture droplets
• Insects
When flash reflects off a particle very close to the lens, it appears as a circular blur. Because it’s out of focus and near the camera, it spreads into a spherical shape.
This is especially common:
• Dusty environments
• In humid environments
• Outdoors at night with insect activity
• Outdoors in mist or humid air
Smartphone cameras are particularly prone to this because the flash is positioned directly beside the lens.
Before assuming paranormal activity, always ask:
• Was flash used?
• Was the air humid or dusty?
• Were insects present?
• Was this taken in low light?
Elimination builds credibility toward determining if this a natural occurrence or a paranormal event.
Pro Tip: I often take pictures in sequences- at least three captures. I also prefer taking video when attempting to capture orb evidence. I want to see the behavior of the orb.
If you want a deeper breakdown of the meaning behind shapes and colors of orbs, read:
📘 Want to Go Deeper Into Orb Phenomena?
If you're curious about the spiritual meaning, scientific explanations, and real investigation techniques behind spirit orbs, I’ve written a detailed guide:
ORB PHENOMENA: A Practical & Spiritual Guide to Understanding Spirit Orbs
Inside you’ll learn:
• The difference between dust, moisture, and unexplained anomalies
• How investigators analyze orb evidence
• The spiritual symbolism across cultures
• How to document your own experiences safely
COMING SOON! Sign up for Haunted Traverse Newsletter to be in the know when my Orb Phenomena Guide is released!
When an Orb Might Not Be Dust
Most orbs are environmental. I know that might seem dissappointing, but a good ghost hunter goes where the evidence leads. And those that are spiritual should be as confident as possible that an orb encountered has spiritual origins.
Not all reports are identical. In rare cases, investigators document light anomalies that:
• Appear without flash
• Move against airflow
• Change direction mid-air
• Do not repeat and present with additional anomalous behavior
• Appear on multiple cameras simultaneously
This does not confirm spirit presence. It moves the classification from “environmental artifact” to “unexplained light anomaly.”
That distinction matters. Unexplained does not mean confirmed paranormal events. It means further documentation is warranted.
As a paranormal investigator, when I can't explain the orb event as a natural occurence, then my next step is to gather additional evidence. With enough evidence, my confidence grows that I did indeed have a spiritual or paranormal experience.
If you want a disciplined framework for evaluating unexplained anomalies, I break it down step-by-step in my 📘 Orb Phenomena: A Practical & Spiritual Guide to Understanding Spirit Orbs.
How to Test If Your Orb Is Dust
Before assigning meaning, run a simple field test:
Take multiple photos of the same area immediately.
Turn flash off and take another.
Change angle slightly.
Adjust ISO if possible.
Observe airflow in the room.
If the orb appears with fuzzy edges, a linear or bug-like flight trajectory, or is replicated in a series of photos and multiple angles, it is likely environmental.
If it cannot be repeatable under controlled conditions without obvious environmental factors, investigate this area more and carefully.
Serious investigators always categorize before interpreting and never stop asking questions about what is observed or captured. Documenting the information helps an investigator identify patterns which then helps the investigator see the anomalies within the data.
For a complete equipment checklist, see:
📌 Want to Investigate Orbs Yourself? Start With These Tools
Most orb photos are caused by dust, moisture, or lens reflection.But if you're serious about ruling out natural explanations, investigators rely on three core tools:
🔦 EMF Meter – Detect unusual electromagnetic fluctuations
🎙 Digital Voice Recorder – Capture EVP responses
📷 Infrared Camera – Monitor environments in complete darkness
The Emotional Layer: Why Orbs Feel Personal
Many orb encounters occur during:
• Grief
• Major life transitions
• Illness
• Emotional reflection
My Most Recent Orb Observed
Within the last 24 hours of writing this article, fresh off of watching a clip during the USA's State of the Union broadcast. I observed parents of a fallen National Guard Service Woman on video, there to be recognized for their daughter's tragic passing. Sure enough on que, a soft orb floated in a slow passing from one parent on film to the next parent before disappearing.
Is it a guaranteed supernatural or spiritual encounter? Maybe. But this example does highlight the importance of one of the reasons why orbs appear, Grief. In this case, two grieving parents may have been visited by their late daughter as a form of comfort or message from the beyond.
During these orb encounters, perception definitely sharpens. It is not rare to experience other phenomenon such as touching, EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomenons), or poltergeist activity.
Orb Meaning
Meaning becomes more noticeable as well when an orbs appear. Emotions through grief, attachment, or even anger seem to be a commonality when orbs present.
If an orb appeared during a time of personal loss, it may feel deeply significant and emotionally charged. That does not automatically confirm spiritual presence. But it does explain why the experience feels different or presents as a heavy, charged experience. An orb encounter can be draining emotionally, but also an encounter that comforts or both!
If you’re navigating an orb experience that feels personal, the most important thing is not to panic. Try to capture on film or pull up any footage on security cameras. After enough time has passed, ask non-leading questions to see if anyone else had observances during your orb encounter.
If the emotional side of a paranormal encounter seems too much, read:👉 Finding Comfort and Protection After Paranormal Experiences
📷 Can Infrared Cameras Capture Orbs?
Human vision detects light between 380–700 nanometers.
Infrared cameras detect wavelengths beyond 700 nanometers, allowing monitoring in complete darkness.
If you’re documenting orb activity, night vision equipment helps rule out environmental interference.
👉 Beginner Investigator Starter Kit: Click here to build your first ghost hunting toolkit for orbs and EVPs ghost hunting sessions
So… Are Orbs Ghosts or Dust?
Most are dust. Some are camera artifacts. A very small percentage remain unexplained after elimination.
The goal is not to jump to belief — or dismissal. The goal is discernment. These are the moments to observe additional events, be present and observant of how you feel because messages from the beyond may be trying to come through.
Be curious and don't panic. Document without assumption to see patterns or anomalies. Be open to messages conveyed and try to observe and experience the event without fear.
If you want to investigate responsibly, start here:
📘 Download my eBook: Orb Phenomena Guide
And if you’d like thoughtful monthly reflections and investigation resources, you can join the Haunted Traverse newsletter here or scroll to the bottom of this article.
A paranormal experience the majority of the time is not something that should truly be feared. Orbs seem to be a conduit for messages. As a paranormal investigator, capturing an orb, feeling the messages conveyed, and experiencing other paranormal events that seem to accompany these orb sightings, leads me to conclude orb sightings are my favorite paranormal event outside of poltergeist activity.
Thank you for visiting this article!
Wishing You Safe and Spirited Travels, my Dear Readers. ~Dez
👻 Ready to Experience a Real Investigation?
Understanding orbs is one thing. Investigating in a real haunted environment is another.
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