What is the mysterious purple-violet oval in the night sky?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's observation of a mysterious purple-violet oval in the night sky, captured in photographs taken with varying exposure times. The inquiry explores whether the object is an unknown phenomenon or a result of camera optics, with participants offering various hypotheses regarding its nature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observed a purple-violet oval in photographs taken of the night sky but could not see it with binoculars or the naked eye, raising questions about its nature.
  • Another participant suggested that the phenomenon might be a reflection caused by the camera's optics, though they could not confirm it definitively.
  • A different participant speculated that the object could be a satellite, specifically an Iridium satellite, which can appear bright but only for a short duration.
  • Some participants noted that the orientation of the elongated blob in the images suggests it is likely an internal reflection in the camera lens, influenced by lens coatings affecting light wavelengths.
  • One participant mentioned that digital cameras typically have IR/UV cut filters, which may limit sensitivity to infrared light, potentially impacting the observed colors.
  • A later reply indicated that the participant was able to capture a clearer image with a high-resolution camera, implying further investigation into the phenomenon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the object is likely a reflection, though there are competing views regarding the possibility of it being a satellite. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of the observed phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the camera's capabilities and the environmental conditions during the observation. The discussion also highlights the dependence on the specific characteristics of the camera used.

Disgusting spy
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Hello, everyone! Merely an hour ago (at 1:25 +11 GMT to be precise) I saw something in the pictures of the night sky that I took using my camera, using 15, 30 and 60 seconds exposure. (Some time passed between shots) The object that caught my eye is a purple-violet oval, or a thing that is moving above the central building in the middle.



---- 15 seconds exposure (camera slid a bit)


---- 30 seconds exposure


---- 60 seconds

I have to note, that I couldn't find the object in the sky with my binoculars, or see it with an unaided eye - It's onl seen in the pictures. Could it be something unknown, or just a simple reflection of light that got in camera?

By the way, the camera was facing West
 
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It's probably just an issue with light reflecting off the optics in a particular way, but I really can't say.
 
The images website is blocked where I'm at but, I'll take a guess and suggest that it might be a satellite. Take a look at this site to see what might have passed by your area recently - http://www.heavens-above.com. My first thought would be an Iridium satellite. They can be very bright but they only last a few seconds.
 
Looks to me like a reflection, satellites look completely different.
 
In the last two pictures, the elongated blob is oriented at different angles from the vertical, but in both cases it's perpendicular to a line that runs radially from the very bright light to the left. Therefore I also think it's an internal reflection in the lens. The purple color probably comes from coatings on the lens affecting different wavelengths differently.
 
I guess you guys are right, this is a reflection. Thanks for your help! :D
 
Borek said:
Looks to me like a reflection, satellites look completely different.
I can see it now from home. Yeah, that doesn't look like a satellite.
 
iridiumflare00.jpg
 
The sensitivity to infrared on a camera may be superior to the human eye.
 
  • #10
Generally digital color cameras are equipped with IR/UV cut filters for a host of different reasons. Their sensitivity to IR light should be zero.
 
  • #11
Being in the right place at the right time, I was able to get a clearer picture with my ultra high resolution camera:

superman.jpg
 

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