Galaxy Zoo Talk

Rays from Unusual Blue Object

  • mkerrane by mkerrane

    Four distinct rays shoot out from an unusual irregular shaped star. Possibly a eclipse caused by a meteor or other object.

    Posted

  • JeanTate by JeanTate in response to mkerrane's comment.

    Welcome to Galaxy Zoo, mkerrane.

    As ElisabethB said, the 'compass points' are artifacts, called 'diffraction spikes', produced by the telescope's secondary mirror's support structure. The funny colors and patterns in the center of the image of the star are also artifacts, produced by the camera itself.

    Happy hunting! 😃

    Posted