A Fleeting Visitor: Bat Silhouetted Against the Moon

Sometimes, the most captivating celestial moments aren't the ones we meticulously plan for. Such was the case for /u/ObjectiveNo2466, who, by their own admission, is "by no means an astrophotographer," but still managed to capture a truly unique and cool image.

Last night, this amateur astronomer took a picture through their 6" Dobsonian telescope, using nothing more than an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The result? A stunning shot featuring a bat, a tiny silhouette against the vast canvas of the moon.

As the poster clarified, the shot was taken simply by holding the phone up to the telescope's eyepiece. The bat, a small but distinct visitor, is visible in the top right quadrant of the moon.

The image sparked delight and curiosity in the comments. One user humorously pointed out their initial confusion about a "beak" that turned out to be the bat's tail, indicating it was flying in the opposite direction. Another user confirmed the location as the Midwest USA, a region where bats are commonly seen during evenings.

This simple yet effective capture serves as a wonderful reminder that you don't need professional gear to witness and document the wonders of the night sky – or the unexpected visitors it might host!