Undergrad Optical Effect: curved light source when seen through the bus window

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SUMMARY

The optical effect of curved light sources observed through a bus window is primarily attributed to reflections and potential smudges on the glass or camera lens rather than refraction. Users in the discussion noted that the streaks appeared circular and concentric, suggesting that the phenomenon is an artifact of the camera rather than the window itself. The flatness of the glass was confirmed, ruling out curvature as a cause. Additionally, the possibility of fingerprints or residue on the lens was raised as a contributing factor to the observed distortion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics principles, including reflection and refraction.
  • Familiarity with camera lens artifacts and their effects on image quality.
  • Knowledge of how environmental factors can influence optical phenomena.
  • Experience with analyzing photographic images for distortions.
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  • Research the principles of light reflection and refraction in optics.
  • Learn about common camera lens artifacts and how to identify them.
  • Explore the effects of environmental conditions on optical observations.
  • Investigate techniques for cleaning camera lenses to avoid distortion.
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Photographers, optics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding optical phenomena and camera effects will benefit from this discussion.

Marth
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During the night, I was traveling by local bus. And as I viewed through the window, the light from the street lights and the headlights of other vehicles appeared curved, as shown in the images below:
viber_image_2023-10-26_19-50-48-679.jpg
viber_image_2023-10-26_19-50-48-472.jpg

One common answer is: because of refraction
Is there any more explanation for this behavior?
 
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Marth said:
Is there any more explanation for this behavior?

The window is curved...
 
No, it is not. That's a perfectly flat glass surface.
 
Pretty sure those are reflections off streaks on the glass - could be oil, could be residue from a cleaner.

These, but curved:
1698332183726.png
 
Upon further "reflection" I am not convinced this is an effect of the glass.
It's got to be an artifact of your camera.

The streaks are perfectly circular, perfectly concentric, and their origin is in the direction your camera is pointed.
1698332455113.png


Is it an uncropped image? I don't suppose you cropped off the left side of the image did you?
 
In fact, there seem to be two foci of concentricity in discrete areas:

1698335425644.png

They could very well be fingerprint smudges on your lens.
 
Last edited:

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