January 8, 2026 Abstract
A green orb image extracted from a viral social media video attributed to Chris Bledsoe generated widespread speculation that the object displayed internal lettering or symbols and represented a communicating non-human intelligence. This article presents a forensic image analysis of the green orb still frame using established digital forensic techniques, including channel isolation, edge detection, HSV analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results indicate that the observed structures are consistent with computational photography artifacts, compression effects, and perceptual illusion rather than a physical object or communicative signal. This case demonstrates how smartphone imaging pipelines and social media compression can produce compelling but misleading visual anomalies.
Case Background
In December 2025, a green orb image began circulating across social media platforms following a post by Chris Bledsoe, who described the image as a still frame extracted from 4K video footage recorded during a World Forum event at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The post suggested that the orb contained lettering or symbols and implied a form of communication.
According to available statements, more than 20 GB of high-definition video data exists, reportedly recorded using an Apple iPhone Pro device. However, only compressed social media versions of the footage were publicly available for analysis. Metadata was not present in the analyzed files, as social media platforms routinely strip EXIF and temporal data during upload. As a result, the date, time, and precise filming parameters could not be independently verified.
Notably, the purported lettering appears in only four frames identified thus far.
Visual Evidence Reviewed
Three related visual sources were examined:
- Initial Distant Orb Video
A short, handheld night video depicting a small white circular light at significant distance. No foreground reference objects (trees, buildings, horizon markers) are visible, making motion assessment unreliable. - Zoomed White “Morphing” Orb
A second, more heavily zoomed video showing a white object with an organic or membrane-like appearance. This footage exhibits characteristics consistent with point spread function distortion, a common artifact when filming sub-pixel light sources at extreme digital zoom. - Green Orb Still Frame
A highly zoomed still image alleged to be extracted from the same or related footage. This image displays a green circular object with internal shapes interpreted by some viewers as lettering or symbols.
Analytical Methods
The green orb still image was imported into GIMP and Forensically beta for forensic evaluation. The following processes were applied:
- RGB channel isolation
- Sobel and gradient edge detection
- HSV edge detection
- Principal Component Analysis (PCA), with emphasis on higher-order components
- Visual consistency checks across algorithms
Each method was selected to determine whether the observed internal structures represent physical edges, surfaces, or coherent geometry, or whether they are products of digital processing.
Results
Channel Isolation
Isolation of the red, green, and blue channels revealed that the apparent structure persisted almost exclusively in the green channel. When red and blue channels were amplified, no corresponding structural detail emerged. This behavior indicates sensor-driven channel survival rather than an object emitting intrinsic green light.
Edge Detection
Across Sobel, gradient, and standard edge detection algorithms, the outer boundary of the object remained consistent, forming a smooth circular profile. However, the internal “lettering” failed to produce stable edges in any algorithm. This indicates that the internal shapes lack physical edge geometry and are not solid or surface-based features.
HSV Edge Detection
HSV edge detection produced a scattered field of random white pixels rather than continuous edge lines. In forensic analysis, this pattern is diagnostic of chromatic noise and enhancement artifacts rather than physical structure. Such results are routinely used to rule out solid objects, surfaces, and structured craft.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
PCA component 3 revealed square and stair-step patterns consistent with video codec macroblocks and digital zoom artifacts. The analysis emphasized artificial segmentation resembling organic membranes, a known perceptual illusion caused by over-sharpening, noise interaction, and eigenvector separation.
These effects are commonly observed when analyzing:
- Digitally zoomed stars or planets
- Distant aircraft lights
- Moon imagery under heavy enhancement
- Night-mode smartphone footage
Computational Photography Considerations
The camera reportedly used was an Apple iPhone Pro. Apple’s computational photography pipeline prioritizes aesthetic clarity over scientific fidelity, especially in low-light conditions. Known processes include:
- Temporal noise reduction
- Local tone mapping
- Dynamic exposure compensation
- Highlight recovery
- Super-resolution upscaling during zoom
- Rolling shutter distortion during handheld motion
When filming isolated bright objects against a dark sky, these processes frequently introduce artificial color shifts, internal structure, and geometric patterns. Green orbs, plasma-like spheres, and “structured” lights are particularly common outcomes.
Green orbs are a known and repeatable outcome of:
- Distant point light sources
- Low-light smartphone imaging
- Extreme digital zoom
- Computational enhancement
- Compression artifacts
They are not, by themselves, evidence of structured craft, energy fields, or communication. Proper forensic analysis is essential before assigning extraordinary explanations to visually compelling imagery.
Atmospheric and Sensor Effects
Atmospheric scattering, including Rayleigh scattering, contributes to:
- Blue or whitish haze
- Contrast loss
- Soft glow around distant light sources
Sensor blooming was also evident, where intense light leaks into adjacent pixels, producing halos and fog-like structures. Long-exposure frame stacking further amplifies these effects, especially when combined with motion and compression.
Discussion: Is the Orb Communicating?
The appearance of internal symbols or lettering is best explained by pareidolia — the human tendency to perceive meaningful patterns in random or ambiguous data — reinforced by AI-driven image enhancement. The fact that the “lettering” appears in only four frames strongly supports an algorithmic origin rather than intentional signaling.
No forensic indicators support the presence of:
- Physical surface detail
- Structured geometry
- Energy fields
- Directed communication
Instead, all analytical results converge on a false-positive interpretation.
Conclusion
The green orb image is most consistent with a distant point light source — such as a bright star, planet, or aircraft light — rendered anomalous through extreme digital zoom, low-light computational enhancement, atmospheric effects, and video compression. While visually compelling, the object does not represent a communicating entity or structured UAP.
This case highlights the critical need for forensic image analysis in UAP investigations and demonstrates how modern smartphone imaging systems can unintentionally manufacture extraordinary appearances from ordinary sources.
About the Author
Seth H. Feinstein is a forensic photo analyst and researcher specializing in image authenticity, digital artifacts, and false-positive UAP imagery. Don’t mistake me for a debunker. I have had numerous unknown outcomes. The data speaks for itself, and the truth is what matters.
Random white dots in HSV edge detection mean the algorithm is detecting chromatic noise, not real edges.
