Unusual Light Sighted While Capturing Orion on February 25th, 2025
I came across an intriguing video on YouTube that showcases a mysterious object caught on camera during a long exposure shot of the night sky.
The video appears to have been filmed in the United Kingdom on February 25th, 2025.
YouTube Description:
I was testing out my new iOptron Skytracker Pro, a Christmas gift that I hadn’t had the chance to use much due to the weather. Last night, I set it up and began taking 60-second exposures at 55mm. My goal was to capture long exposures that I could later stack on my computer. Unfortunately, clouds rolled in, so I decided to play around and create a timelapse. That’s when I noticed a peculiar light appearing in the sky.
The light is visible across 18 shots, which indicates it took about 18 minutes to traverse that section of the sky. I’m puzzled by what could be moving so slowly—if anyone has an idea, I’d love to hear it.
In my opinion, it seems too sluggish to be a plane, a satellite, or even a meteorite.
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 taken using an iOptron Skytracker Pro mounted on a Benro Tripod.
That sounds like a fascinating observation! It’s always exciting to capture something unexpected while photographing the night sky, especially when testing out new equipment.
Given that the light appeared over 18 frames and took about 18 minutes to move a small distance in the sky, it does seem too slow for conventional aircraft or satellites, which usually move much faster across the sky. It might be worth considering some other possibilities.
One explanation could be that it’s a slow-moving satellite—some can have orbital paths that might give them a noticeably slower appearance from the ground, especially in certain conditions. Alternatively, it could also be a high-altitude balloon or something atmospheric like a meteorite that may have been unusually slow in its descent or trajectory.
If you have the option, you might want to analyze the shots more closely. Look for any consistent patterns or behaviors in the light’s movement—this could provide more clues about what it might be. Additionally, tools like satellite tracking websites or apps might help you identify any known satellites that were in orbit during that time.
Regardless of what it turns out to be, it’s a great opportunity to engage with the community and share your findings. Have you thought about reaching out to local astronomy groups or forums for additional insights? They might have experienced observers who could shed more light on your discovery!