Who said Orbs are ghosts? Options

[Rockhauler2k1]

I know the term orb and use it quite frequently myself but I've always been curious as to its orgin as it applys to paranormal activity.  ???

I know the definition as do we all .  :

Orb :

1 : any of the concentric spheres in old astronomy surrounding the earth and carrying the celestial bodies in their revolutions
2 archaic : something circular : CIRCLE, ORBIT
3 : a spherical body; especially : a spherical celestial object
4 : EYE
5 : a sphere surmounted by a cross symbolizing kingly power and justice

I have been looking for a long time to find the origin of the term . I'd like to know who looked at a photograph and excalimed " I got an orb " . I realize that the term fits in regards to the shape of the energies that grace our lenses but who says an orb is a spirit or ghost? Whos to say that the phenomenon we capture on film aren't naturally occuring energies that exist in the atmosphere? Quntam physics is full of explainations of the sort. Electrical impulses and the like.

I'd like some help with this one.
I know what some of us think they are , but I'd like to know who coined the term along with ectoplasam and ectomist.

All spirits and ghosts are hallucinations in that they defy the realm of naturally occuring events. I use the term hallucination in that context , not as a type of symptom associated with mental illness. Witnessing and event that we have no business witnessing is indeed a halucination.

Rockhauler2k1

[Camille]

As you have undoubtedly turned up in your research, orbs are not new to the supernatural vernacular.  The term dates back to at least WW II, when military personnel (U.S. & German) reported what later came to be referred to as "foo fighters," or strange, flying orbs of light. However, they were thought to be alien in nature, not ghosts.  In fact, for the most part, orbs have been associated with UFO sightings.  For ex.: orbs have been frequently photographed at crop circle sites. (no natural explanation for those, I'm sure  ;))

I believe that the "orbs as ghosts" theory is relatively recent.  No, I do not know who, specifically, came up with that concept.  I researched it as well, and could not find the answer.  The IGHS may very well have done so, and I tend to think they started the trend based upon the timeline.  But if they did, the idea is very unoriginal, as it simply piggybacks a concept that was already accepted by supernatural enthusiasts.

On a related note, I came across the website of the Toronto Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society, who have recently stepped up to the plate and publicly declared: No more orb and mist photos!

Here is a link to their "The Orb is Dead...." webpage:

http://www.torontoghosts.org/finalorb.htm

Although I respect their bravery, I fear that doing so is going to prove bad for business for them.  :-/