Unusual question

[Jnicholes]

So, I was using my 80mm refractor to look at a bird on a wire mid day. Bird watching is one of my other hobbies.

I took a picture through the lens with my phone. This is the picture that came out.

Now, the sun was NOWHERE near where I was aiming. It was behind me, in fact. I dont know how I was able to view the sun and not get blind!

Here is the question. How is this possible? Any ideas?

Jared

[Lady Fraktor]

It looks like you have a pinpoint reflection across the view. (point source and edge flare at 4 o'clock position)
The point source could be something as simple as a piece of ice.

[AntennaGuy]

My guess: I think that might be a reflection (of the sun behind you) on/in your optics.
... or alternatively, what she said.

[Jnicholes]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. It might just be a reflection on the eyepiece. Still, pretty cool I was able to get this picture.

[Ruud]

Yes, it looks like the sunlight hit a portion of the eye lens of your eyepiece. Most likely an internal reflection in the eyepiece caused the bright spot to the left. Not all the light escaped there, some of it caused the flare to the right.

Your face would have blocked the sunlight better.

Here's a tip: If reflections from light shining into the eyepiece past the side of your head hinder your observations, try an observing hood!

[helicon]

Reflection of the sun from your camera on the eyepiece?

[Thefatkitty]

Turning my head a bit to the left, the perfect circle on the left looks like a reflection of the Sun on your eyepiece, with some glare from that on the right side. Depends on your angle, but I've done similar nature shots with the Sun behind me and it's had that effect.
Nice pic too

All the best,

[DeanD]

Yeah, what they said...

For future reference, why not get an adapter to put your phone on the telescope and minimise external light, something like this:
If there is any sunlight on the phone, then maybe shield it with your hand/head/hat, although this is probably not necessary with a light-sealed adapter...

Have fun!

- Dean