“This was taken a week or two ago [early 2012] in a flat in Oxford, U.K.,” says Tom. “It’s a friend of mine. Freaked him out when he saw it.”

Many ghost researchers refer to anomalies like this in photos as “ecto” or ectoplasm, although that’s probably not what it is at all. In some cases this smoky stuff turns out to be just that — smoke, usually from a cigarette. Other times it might be caused by fog or vapor from a person’s breath in chilly weather. Still other times the source or cause isn’t so easy to pin down.

There’s also the possibility that this is a hoax — a digital creation or manipulation. Or do you think this is a genuine apparition? Go see it in the Gallery. Then give us your opinion in this poll: By Stephen Wagner, About.com Guide