What is this

I marked this as star or artifcat, but im not sure as im new to this? is this a ring? is that another object thats behind it?

Posted January 5, 2015 2:53 PM

by ElisabethB moderator

Hi kshorne and welcome to the Zoo

You are correct. This is indeed a star from our galaxy and star/#artifact is the correct classification.

And this is just one object the colors and weird center are all optical artifacts.

Happy hunting ! 😄

Posted January 5, 2015 3:07 PM

Star or artifact seems ok. If you look at the bigger picture in SDSS, this is shown:
enter image description here

So it looks like a dodgy piece that filters or some lens flare have messed with,

If you look at the catalogue called SIMBAD, it has it as a star, so I think the ring is another
poor optical effect.

Posted January 5, 2015 3:10 PM