Description

Was curious to get opinions of what this object is that I captured accidentally in one of my photos.

When: May 31, 2025
Time: 0713 PST
Location: Hinkle, OR

This was at the Union Pacific yard Hinkle, Oregon (a fairly remote area of mostly farm land). I was facing south when I took the photo. The camera was a Nikon Z5, using a Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD ISO125 at f/8 for 1/500.

It is hard to gauge the size or distance, but it feels like it’s a decent way away, and of a fairly large size. The object appears to be reflecting light.

The locomotive was moving from right to left and I did not see the object in any other images. As someone who had been shooting DSLR’s since 2002 I don’t think it is anything on the lens or sensor. I have not encountered anything like this.

I would love to hear opinions of what the object is. Maybe a balloon? That’s the only thing I can think of, but it would have to be a pretty big balloon. I am happy to answer and questions about the image or my camera settings.