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Why are some orbs different shapes?
One slightly usual variation on the orb is the orb which isn't an orb, because it is not circular. These only examples I have seen of these are other geometrically shaped orbs and truncated orbs.
Other geometrically shaped orbs
The image on the left is an example of a rounded triangular orb. Far from being unusual, this actually accounts for most of the orbs captured on that particular camera.
The reason for the unusual shape is because that is the shape of the aperture (the opening of a camera through which light passes) at that particular time.
When the light (reflected as highlights from dust and the like) travels through the camera lens it is usually circular because that is the shape of the aperture. So, in fact, all orb shapes are defined by the aperture; it's just that the aperture is usually circular, but in the cases of some cameras in some circumstances they are not.
What about truncated orbs?
These are orbs that appear to have a 'corner' - for want of a better word - missing. These are always seen in the corner of the photograph and are caused by the reflected highlight being very close to the lens, and at an angle. The 'corner' of the orb is at too sharp an angle to actually be imprinted on the CCD (the rectangular chip onto which photos are recorded). The effect is also known as vignetting.
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