We know that the atmosphere here is undergoing dramatic changes so why rule out lightning?
I think that the amount of energy required to light up Bird's CCD to the shown amount (across 40 light minutes of distance) would greatly exceed what lightning can provide. We're looking at megatons of dissipated energy.
Thanks so much to everyone for the comments... I was out of contact yesterday while we drove back from Trev's place (made it home last night, was a long day - 1000km).
Was set up to have another look this morning but now I'm back in the land of the neverending cloud and fog, I hope trevor had some better luck at his place...
I'm waay behind in answering emails etc, it's a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon :-)
Lots of big scopes are scrambling to have a look, including one space-based scope :-)
I've only just caught the news. Congratulations again, Anthony. As others have said, this is the result of absolute dedication - not just in time spent, but the care you take with your equipment etc, etc. Much admiration!
Anthony, you are a legend!!! Seen you in the Hearald Sun newspaper down here again. Excellent capture .
Well done mate.
Was also rapt to see you on Voyage to the Planets the other night.
Another excellent observation, Anthony. Well done and just reward for the many, many hours of dedicated observing. Good luck for future discoveries. Russ
hey Anthony I reckon you know hold the record for the most views to a single thread or at least the shortest time. I just saw over 27,000 views for this thread.