The truth is out there: Ghostly Edinburgh pictures released online

A university professor needs your help to determine whether or not a series of ghostly pictures are the genuine article.

As part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, University of Hertfordshire Professor Richard Wiseman is asking the public to post their thoughts on a number of ghostly snaps.

Click here to view a slideshow of the pictures

You can post your comments on these images by visiting the project website www.scienceofghosts.com.

The pictures, a selection of which are shot in Edinburgh, capture a number of shadowy figures and strange effects.

Event co-organiser Gordon Rutter said: "These remarkable photographs show a variety of strange figures, blobs and faces, and we hope to discover whether any of these really represent evidence for a spirit world."

The online survery is part of a wider experiment aimed at exploring the evidence for 'ghostly' phenomena as part of the 21st Edinburgh International Science Festival.

The study will also ask people across the world to complete the first detailed international survey of these seemingly paranormal experiences.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs from 4th to 18th April 2009.

For full details and ticket sales, visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0131 553 0322.