The ghost theory: Many ghost hunters say that "energy rods" are a very strong apparition of ghostly activity (somewhere above orbs). Others say these are "supercharged orbs" that are whizzing around like a Jack Russel terrier on Ritalin, moving so fast that they streak across the photo. Some say that the "roping" or "braiding" texture on the light streaks are a sure sign that these are paranormal phenomina. A few have postulated that ghosts are not "in phase" with our dimension, and they flicker in and out of existance, much like when you videotape a television set.

The science: Well, since I conjured these energy rods up one evening, I asked them what the deal is. They told me that American electricity is alternating current (AC), and the current reverses 60 times every second (60Hz). Electrical devices derive their power on the rise and fall of the cycle. That means there are 120 pulses of electricity per second. Click each image for camera information, specifically how long the shutter was open for each of the shots. One of the shots I counted the pulses for you.

What really happens: Camera mis-operation. It's dark out. You're with your friends. You take a picture of them. The camera detects the low amounts of light and extends the shutter speed much longer than you should be able to hold the camera still. The flash goes off and illuminates your friends. You lower the camera because the picture was taken. Unfortunately, the shutter was still open for a short time after the flash fired. When you lowered the camera, the lights in the background streak out, sometimes fast enough that you can make out individual pulses in the AC current. When you look at your pictures later, there are ghostly streaks of energy behind or next to you. Nope, not ghostly.

How to prevent this: Set your camera to Portrait mode or Scenic or Nighttime mode. Look for a setting that will lock the shutter speed to 1/30 second or faster. This shutter speed will practically eliminate ANY camera shake, light streaks, and your pictures will be much sharper. You'll thank me later.

How to replicate this: Go out at night. Set your camera to full-auto (auto), or aperture priority (A, or AP). For better effect, turn the flash on and get your friend to stand in front of the streetlight. Frame your friend and the streetlight. Press the "shoot" button and when the flash fires, move the camera quickly.

Conclusion: I'm not saying "energy rods" don't exist, but I'm now highly skeptical of them in photos and have yet seen one that can be difinitively ruled out as not-natural.