Astronomy/Regarding sun

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Expert: - 6/30/2010


Question

Second sun
What is the planet like is seen near the sun when a photograph of sun is taken. Some kids has seen a second sun on 28th June 2010 in India.

Answer
Hi Vij....
Anytime you attempt to photograph a bright light source, there are always ghost images, streaks,
mock (false) lights, etc. due to the small imperfections in the lenses, because the optical system is swamped with light.
In addition... with the new Pro Photoshop equipment on the market now for computers, you can't believe ANY picture any more.  So it's either a lens defect by extreme overexposure to too much light, or an intentionally faked picture... take your pick, BECAUSE:

We already know that there are no "second suns" out there, and there are no other inner planets except for Mercury and Venus.  A second "sun" or a third inner planet would have long since revealed it's existence due to gravitational effects, but it hasn't because there isn't any such body.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA USA

FOLLOW UP:
In addition, Mercury was at superior conjunction behind (and above) the sun on that date, see
http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/c3/512/
although I seriously doubt that an amateur camera could have revealed Mercury in broad daylight.

In addition, IF there was another body, don't you think that the professional solar observatories... Big Bear, SOHO, and Kitt Peak... would have long since reported it?
Of course they would, for the credit of the discovery.
Clear Skies,
Tom  

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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