Ghouls on film: Ghost or glitch? You decide

16:57 05 January 2012

What exactly are modern ghost hunters catching on camera? Are the images truly mysterious or are technological slip-ups and wishful thinking to blame? Let New Scientist be your spirit guide?

Read more: "Ghouls on film: Paranormal photography goes digital"

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Ectoplasm

A Victorian favourite, this pale emanation remains a standard in ghost images. These days, this ethereal-looking substance is likely to be flash light reflected by condensation on the lens or from the photographer's breath, says Wood. Savvy ghost hunters lurking in icy churchyards are careful to avoid this effect and ban smoking on the job for the same reason. Others may fail to notice a flash firing as the photo was taken. "People will swear the flash did not activate," says Wood. EXIF data stored in the camera's memory will reveal the truth.

(Image: Gill Hutton/Ghosts Caught on Film: 3)

Source: http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/1b8dbfcf/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Cgallery0Cghouls0Eon0Efilm0DDCMP0FOTC0Erss0Gnsref0Fonline0Enews/story01.htm

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