Helix and unknown object.

[Astroman]

Hi all,

Well first of the rack is the Helix nebula, this is one frame 600sec, Iso 800. Taken with a Canon 400D through an 80mm F450mm refractor. I only took two images and was not guiding too well, my balance was a bit off also. As you can see a Satellite or something passed through the field during the exposure and gave off an interesting anomaly. I have been given explanations of Klingon warbirds, satellite solar panels, Tie fighters, and a few others I cannot recall. I showed this at SVAC and all present had no idea what it was.

[RB]

I've had a close look and it's an airplane.

[Astroman]

Based on?

[tnbk00]

I agree....if u look close u can see a second fainter line, based on no experience diagnosing these things before...I would say a plane....again, i'm no authority on such things

[Tamtarn]

If it was a plane wouldn't there be a trail from the lights ?

Barb

[JohnG]

I would be 99% sure it was an aircraft, apart from the fainter line to the left, the single white trail is offset to the right of the red dot, if you blow up the image, you will see the center red light is elongated, the 2 strange red streaks either side of the center red light are easily explained, they are the reflection of the underneath red anti-collision light off the inboard engine nacelles, something that is easily seen if you visit an airport at night.

I believe you have captured mid rotation of the underneath red anti collision light and have missed the firing of the outboard, white strobes. The aircraft is at a slight angle which is why the white line (rear tail light) is offset slightly and the outboard wingtip rear white light is so faint.

Up to you what you believe.

Cheers

[Astroman]

BTW I am not disproving the aircraft theory, I just wanted to know how you would come about the idea it was an aircraft. Your theory John is quite believable. Thanks for the explanation.

[RB]

I had a look at your image in Photoshop.


Spot on John, exactly what I suspect too.

:thumbsup: