Help Identifying Unclear Object Seen Through Telescope

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter a7d07c8114
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Telescope
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying an unclear object observed through a telescope, specifically near Jupiter. Participants explore potential explanations for the sighting, including the nature of the object and the effects of telescope optics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes seeing a curved white line near Jupiter but could not focus on it clearly, suggesting it might have been a disk shape.
  • Another participant proposes that the observation could be a lens flare, noting that the human eye can be easily deceived.
  • A different participant encourages the observer to check again for other explanations, such as lens flare or clouds, indicating skepticism about the initial observation.
  • One suggestion includes sketching the observation to capture details, along with inquiries about the type of telescope used and its specifications.
  • The original observer later reports that the object was no longer visible, concluding it likely was lens flare.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the observed object, with some suggesting it may be lens flare while others encourage further investigation. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the initial observation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the observer's equipment and conditions, which may affect the clarity of the sighting. The lack of detailed information about the telescope and the observation conditions limits the analysis.

a7d07c8114
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Hi, I'm pretty new at this amateur astronomy thing, and I saw something through my telescope that I could not focus clearly enough on (as to be expected from a telescope I picked up from craigslist for $10). I would like help identifying it.
Latitude: 40° 15' 36" N
Longitude: 74° 16' 27" W (note: these are slightly approximated, should be within a 10 second margin though)
Time: Wed 2011 Aug 24 3:50 -ish UTC, and persisted afterward
Object location: In the vicinity of Jupiter (aim point RA: 2h 56m 54s)
Object description: I saw a curved white line. I was unable to focus on it, so it was blurry and I can't give you much more than that. It might have been a disk shape, and I was seeing the edge? I think it was larger than the image of Jupiter - I could focus on Jupiter, yet the image of the line would still be large and unfocused.
If this is the wrong place for this question I apologize.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
The possibilites are endless - sounds like a lens flare to me. The human eye is very easily deceived.
 
I was just looking at Jupiter a few days ago, and I didn't see anything near it. Check again tonight if you can and make sure it isn't lens flare, or a cloud, or something else.
 
a7d07c8114 said:
Object description: I saw a curved white line. I was unable to focus on it, so it was blurry and I can't give you much more than that.

Sure you can. Sketch it.

Use a pencil on paper (not a computer) so you can Draw all the fuzzy bits.
Reverse black for white (or you'll go through your pencil in a hurry).
Draw in the scope artifacts (such as field of view).
Take a pic with your cellphone and attach.

Also, what kind of scope? Newt? Dob? Refrac?
Diameter? Mag? Eyepiece?
 
Tried again the night after, seems you guys are right: it's gone. Appears to be lens flare. Thanks though!