Evaluating Evidence
There is a predictable amount of routine stuff that a group may turn up as “evidence” such as orb photographs, temperature fluctuations, EMF readings, EVP recordings, and more.
Paranormal “Evidence”
This is one the homeowner should pay very close attention to, especially during the phase of researching investigation groups.
Orb Photos
If a group shows you pictures of “orbs“, as evidence, please keep in mind that 99.9% of all orb photos are nothing more than dust, bugs, or water droplets in the air. Some groups will try to rationalize why their pictures of orbs are special, or are not baloney because of some color, how it looks as though it’s racing upwards, it has a face on it, or some excuse from a list of possible reasons. Oh! Pretty!
This photo (below) is an example of rain. This is a photograph taken with a flash at night. There are a few “orbs” that appear to be moving upwards. This is caused by the reflection of the water drop streaking downwards. These are not spirits. We promise.
rain drops that look like spooky orbs at night - flash photo
Here is another piece of paranormal “evidence”. This was thought to be caused by a spirit/ghost because the pattern in the “mist” is very similar to a person’s face (allegedly someone was killed not to far from the spot). It is literally somebody blowing smoke.
- This is cigarette smoke that happens to look like a face
Is it possible that a human might see an orb of light that moves on its own? Yes.
Is it possible that a human might see a face in the air as a manifestation of a spirit? Yes.
Well, why not? But, the overwhelming amount of “evidence”, however does not support those experiences.
Other common forms of “evidence” follow.
Footsteps
One thing that is commonly reported as paranormal activity is the sound of footsteps. These sounds could easily be nothing more than the natural sounds of a house settling, especially with modern construction methods.
One investigator, after reading about an Amish carpenter who stated that improperly nailed flooring and steps could result in the sound of someone walking in parts of a house, consulted a master carpenter – a guy who does quality work. He confirmed everything the Amish carpenter said about nailing flooring and steps and had even said he worked on a staircase where it would sound like someone walking down them at night. Upon inspection of the staircase he found several issues that would result in settling sounds. After he was finished reworking the staircase the footsteps went away.
Critters
Sometimes animals (pets) will stare at a wall, or you might hear scratching sounds in the walls. This is most likely nothing more than animals, and is usually a rodent of some sort; rat, mouse, squirrel, etc.
The best thing to do before consulting a paranormal investigation group is to have an exterminator check out your home. They are trained to look for signs indicating such an infestation, and are better at finding these things than paranormal investigators are.
Temperature variations
There are a number of infrared thermometers available at the home improvement store. These devices generally have a stated distance range, and measure the heat radiated by a solid surface.
“Cold spots” measured in the air by these devices are a misuse of the equipment. The only way to measure a cold spot in the middle of a room is to use an ambient air thermometer.
If your investigator reports cold spots, then check for drafts, poor ventilation, open windows, open fireplace flues, and the like.
EMF results
Most modern homes have electromagnetic fields (EMF) that are less than 2.0. Many older homes with obsolete wiring may have higher values in several areas.
EMF readings that seem to move would not be normal, and the same for a field that is generated far from any electrical / electronic / magnetic source. This may be worth investigating for health reasons, but it is not ‘proof’ of a haunting – only a vague clue.
Reflections and Shadows
Keep in mind that the human brain is a puzzle solver. If the brain encounters data that it is not sure what to do with, it tries to fill in the blanks until it makes some sense of the situation. Glimpses of faces in a mirror are often caused by this phenomena, especially if the mirror is stained or dirty. Shadows can be seen where the vision in the corners of the eye have not quite caught up to the light levels directly in front of the eye.
If you believe that ‘seeing is believing’ try the examples here (discovermagazine.com), or test your eyes on this page. Your eyes lie to you constantly!
