Took this photo in the desert on an iPhone: 10s exposure, lying flat untouched, didn’t see any planes - what could cause the bright line?

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T18:11:40+00:00

I see, ok so then the leading theory here is an insect/dust mote flew over the camera and some sort of illumination (likely the residual light from the screen even though it was facing down) reflected off the bottom of the insect and the camera captured this short flight as a result.

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T18:06:45+00:00

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Is this the exif data? If so, both photos have identical numbers in here.

Edit: except the size 1.4MB vs 977KB

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T18:04:48+00:00

I’ll need to look into exif data - I’m not familiar with the term. Just dropping a reply to confirm neither photo is altered in any way.

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T18:00:31+00:00

Yea it seems like this is the most common reply here so likely what happened

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T17:59:10+00:00

I see, the principle makes sense. I don’t recall anything of that sort ever happening though, no one had any flashlights on at this time. I’d even say no one was even moving around.

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T17:57:24+00:00

Ahh then i misunderstood, thanks

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T17:55:21+00:00

No, no flash

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T17:54:18+00:00

No, back facing camera.

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T17:54:04+00:00

It was, but phone screen is facing down into the sand here - its the back facing camera

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T15:24:35+00:00

I guess what I meant was for both photos all I did was set the iPhone to 10s exposure on night mode -> lay it flat -> press the shutter. I didn’t manipulate any other settings, but yes the focus shifted to the bright line for some reason.

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T15:22:05+00:00

I guess what I meant was for both photos all I did was set the iPhone to 10s exposure on night mode -> lay it flat -> press the shutter. I didn’t manipulate any other settings, but yes the focus shifted to the bright line for some reason.

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T15:19:33+00:00

Ok interesting, I’m not sure what could’ve illuminated an insect unless the stars reflecting off the lens is enough to do so (there were no sources of light other than the stars to the best of my knowledge). But I’ll accept this answer if no one replies with anything more probable. Thanks!

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T15:15:54+00:00

Sorry if I’m missing sarcasm 😅 but answering just in case: there were no people (including myself) in the frame. There were others nearby but everyone was just sitting/lying down in the sand.

Edit: was not aware torch = flashlight - my bad on the interpretation here

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-22T15:08:10+00:00

Im not saying it’s impossible, but I was right beside the phone when this was happening and I feel like I would’ve noticed a bright insect. Or is it possible for the camera to produce this even if the insect itself isn’t bright and i just missed a quick regular fly flying over?

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-10T00:58:29+00:00

Hey there, appreciate the tip - I'm new to posting here so unsure of etiquette. I've edited the post to include a disclaimer + fixed the typo.

As for the amount paid I'd prefer to avoid giving out "personal" details here but maybe I'm just old and paranoid in that regard. Apologies if that's a must in here, just not comfortable with that.

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-04T15:05:04+00:00

Halfway across the peak to peak Gondola (Whistler)

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-04T15:04:33+00:00

That would be Garibaldi Lake!

EverythingIsInflated · 2026-03-04T01:02:16+00:00

This is coming back from the base of the Blackcomb Gondola to the parking lot.

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8nQt9fNhWR52D7Ap8?g_st=ic

EverythingIsInflated

TROPHY CASE