Gettysburg ghost photos defy easy explanations

November 11, 11:35 AMGhost Hunting ExaminerPatricia Marin

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Gettysburg “ghost” photos continue to arrive in my email on a regular basis and it’s easy to understand why. Some of the most horrific events in history took place near this small town in Pennsylvania only a little over a hundred years ago. If any place on the planet is haunted, it’s got to be Gettysburg!

Some researchers theorize that the land itself might be a factor in the hauntings. This area has high levels of quartz and limestone, which may serve to somehow strengthen and amplify the activities, although most scientists dismiss this idea. But it’s interesting that there are other Civil War battlefields where large numbers of people also fought and died, under equally traumatic and violent circumstances, yet few can match the reported sightings and EVPs collected at Gettysburg.

The first photo was taken at Devil’s Den on 9/21/2009 at 7:37 pm. When she reviewed the series of photographs she had taken, Lori Schechter was startled to clearly see a figure leaning on one of the rocks. She did some research about the Devil’s Den area and was able to confirm that an apparition similar to this – often described as a “hippie” type of ghost – is frequently reported in this same location. Lori couldn’t help wondering if perhaps she had caught a photo of him and asked for our input. Note that there may be other strange figures in the photo, also. Or are they a result of the power of suggestion?

Mr. D, our Science Advisor/Photography Expert, reviewed the photo and came to this conclusion: As for the kind of images which are interpreted as recognizable forms, keep in mind that the camera collects and displays data which has an objective character. The "information” we gain is our interpretation of that data and therein lies the subjective aspect to the problem of identification of what the real source of the light is. In my view, when multiple interpretations exist about the source of the image it is indicative that insufficient data is available for a positive identification. The ranges of patterns detectable and namable reflect the individual’s range of experience and imagination. Explaining how a perceived Unicorn or three headed dog happened to be in a particular location is another matter altogether and if actually 'seen' by someone, it cries out for an explanation or at least leaves one wondering how that could be. In cases where everyone reports seeing the same thing, I prefer to call the source indeterminate (to make it less indeterminate, simultaneous multiple images from different perspective are needed). But in those instances where only a few see an object or only a few ambiguous features are identified (such as a nose or part of a hand silhouette) and only a partial view of the whole object exists, I look for a interpretive/ gestalt analysis of normal background objects that appear to have features reminiscent of some other familiar object- that is, a natural source.

So, no definitive explanation of what might have caused the strange image, other than a possible case of pareidolia.

The second photo was taken about two years ago by Matt Delano on the battlefield at Pickett’s Charge. Mr. D reviewed it and reported: This looks like a reflection and veiling glare within the camera’s optical elements from a bright source just outside the frame on the upper left hand corner. The source could be a lamp or a reflection (glint) of the flash (EXIF data indicates flash was fired), caused by a reflective object just outside the frame. The mist could be natural scattering within the lens or a smudge on the lens. There may have been some low density fog or dust at the location and the flash would illuminate it. There also appears to be a secondary glare reflection in the lower right corner. This could be part of the overall reflection from the suspected source or it may be the result of a finger edge or camera strap too close to the lens.

Matt then provided further details about the photo: It was 10:30 at night and the park was closed. We were making our way back out of the park and the car was about 200 yards away. There were no lights on anywhere. If you’ve been to Gettysburg, you know that there are no lights on the battlefield in that area anyway. My girlfriend had gone back to the car earlier because she was feeling “spooked” and I was alone when I took this photo. I took three in the same spot, with only a few seconds in between them, and the others did not show anything. I took about 50 photos that night. This one wasn’t the first or the last of the night and nothing else came close to showing anything like it. Some showed orbs, but nothing red like this! Also, I realize that most orbs can be explained very easily as dust, moisture, or insects. I do remember that it was a nice night because I was wearing light clothing, although it was October. It was dry, so I don’t think humidity was a factor. I did not notice any insects. In my opinion, this image is definitely odd!

We always look for logical explanations first and very often  find them. Many photographs can be dismissed immediately; for example, when someone points at a photo full or orbs that was taken outside on a humid summer night or a photo with multiple orbs snapped inside a dusty abandoned building. Definitely NOT paranormal! But, sometimes we simply cannot identify with certainty one irrefutable cause of photo anomalies, or the probable cause conflicts with the experiences reported by the participants.  “Is it paranormal or not?” is always the question and I wish there could be a “beyond any doubt” answer for every photograph..Ultimately, you have to make up your own mind, based on your beliefs and personal experiences.

Many thanks to the readers who sent these photographs for analysis and for their permission to include them on this blog. Your comments, opinions, and ideas are always welcome.