Astronomy/what is this?

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Expert: - 7/22/2009


Question
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vichiousfishes/3746126984/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vichiousfishes/3746127052/

In your opinion is this a star or other natural object?

Answer
Hi Andrew,
Yes, I used to have, on my old Pentax K-1000 film camera, one
of those lined, color filters that took any bright light object
and produced a rainbow of color around it, identical to what you see there...they make for cool pictures.

But I never used it to "fake" a UFO shot...guess someone
has tried to do that finally.  Cool, but easily explainable.
It's either the moon or Venus with that lined filter on the camera
lens.  So yes, that's what it is...a bright light source with that
particular filter in place on the camera.
Clear Skies,
Tom
FOLLOW UP:
Oh, the second picture is simply a multiple exposure of the
first picture.  Plus, with pro-photoshop available today, you
already know that you can't even believe any picture on the internet
now; they are so good at doctoring up pictures now. Land a UFO
in my backyard in broad daylight, give me 5 hours to examine it,
then I just might...might...believe in them.  But don't bring me
any "lights at night" pictures. We can't even determine distance
or size with lights at night...the stars are an excellent example of that.  We have no idea their size or distance, with just a light.
tom

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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