Unusual Light Detected While Tracking Orion – February 25, 2025
I recently came across a fascinating YouTube video that showcases an unusual object captured in the frame during a long exposure night sky shoot. The event took place in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2025.
In the video, the creator shares:
“I was out testing my new iOptron Skytracker Pro, a Christmas gift that I hadn’t had much chance to use due to the weather. Last night, I set up my equipment and began taking 60-second exposures at 55mm. I’m aiming to stack these long exposure shots once I get them onto my computer. Unfortunately, clouds rolled in, so I decided to play around a bit and started a timelapse. That’s when I noticed the unusual light appearing in the sky.
Over the course of 18 shots, the light moved across a small section of the sky, suggesting it took about 18 minutes for this movement to occur. I’m curious what could be moving at such a slow pace; it doesn’t seem fast enough to be a plane, satellite, or even a meteorite. If anyone has insights, I’d love to hear them!
Camera & Settings:
– Camera: Sony A7iii
– Lens: Sony 24-105mm G F/4.0
Shot Settings:
– ISO: 640
– Exposure Time: 60 seconds
– Focal Length: 55mm
– Aperture: F/8.0
The shots were tracked using an iOptron Skytracker Pro on a Benro Tripod.”
That sounds like a fascinating observation! Capturing strange lights in the night sky can lead to all sorts of interesting discussions. Given that the light appeared over 18 shots, which amounts to 18 minutes, you’re right to consider what types of objects or phenomena could exhibit such slow movement.
Here are a few possibilities to consider:
Satellites: While some satellites move quickly across the sky, others, especially those in geostationary orbits, can appear to move more slowly. However, they’d still typically cover a noticeable distance in 18 minutes.
Conventional Aircraft: While you ruled out planes, it’s worth noting that depending on the altitude and direction of travel, they can sometimes appear to move slowly in long exposure photography. The blinking lights could potentially create the odd effect as well.
Drones or Balloons: Drones can hover and move slowly, especially if they are being piloted nearby. Similarly, a balloon caught in the wind could drift across your frame.
Atmospheric Phenomena: It could be some atmospheric phenomenon, like a reflection, or even Earth lights if the area is populated enough. Sometimes, light can play tricks due to weather conditions or other environmental factors.
Astrophysical Phenomena: If it’s something rare, it could be a meteor that entered the atmosphere and slowed down, or other phenomena like the International Space Station making a low pass, though it usually moves faster.
It would be great to see your captures and maybe even some of those frames stacked to analyze more closely. Keep observing, and you might just uncover some more secrets of the night sky!