Optical Effect: curved light source when seen through the bus window

In summary, the phenomenon of a curved light source observed through a bus window occurs due to the refraction and distortion of light as it passes through the curved glass. This effect can create the illusion of bending or warping, altering the appearance of objects outside. Factors such as the angle of the light, the curvature of the glass, and the speed of the bus can influence the degree of distortion experienced by passengers.
  • #1
Marth
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During the night, I was traveling by local bus. And as I viewed through the window, the light from the street lights and the headlights of other vehicles appeared curved, as shown in the images below:
viber_image_2023-10-26_19-50-48-679.jpg
viber_image_2023-10-26_19-50-48-472.jpg

One common answer is: because of refraction
Is there any more explanation for this behavior?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF.

Marth said:
Is there any more explanation for this behavior?

The window is curved...
 
  • #3
No, it is not. That's a perfectly flat glass surface.
 
  • #4
Pretty sure those are reflections off streaks on the glass - could be oil, could be residue from a cleaner.

These, but curved:
1698332183726.png
 
  • #5
Upon further "reflection" I am not convinced this is an effect of the glass.
It's got to be an artifact of your camera.

The streaks are perfectly circular, perfectly concentric, and their origin is in the direction your camera is pointed.
1698332455113.png


Is it an uncropped image? I don't suppose you cropped off the left side of the image did you?
 
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  • #6
In fact, there seem to be two foci of concentricity in discrete areas:

1698335425644.png

They could very well be fingerprint smudges on your lens.
 
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FAQ: Optical Effect: curved light source when seen through the bus window

What causes the optical effect of a curved light source when seen through a bus window?

This optical effect is typically caused by the refraction of light. The bus window acts as a lens, and if the window is not perfectly flat, it can bend or curve the light passing through it, creating a distorted image of the light source.

Why does the light source appear curved only when the bus is moving?

When the bus is moving, the relative motion between the observer and the light source can accentuate the distortion caused by the window. The vibrations and slight changes in perspective as the bus moves can make the curvature of the light source more noticeable.

Does the thickness of the bus window affect the curvature of the light source?

Yes, the thickness of the bus window can affect the degree of curvature observed. Thicker windows can have more pronounced lens-like properties, leading to greater refraction and more noticeable curvature of the light source.

Can the curvature of the light source be different depending on where you sit on the bus?

Yes, the curvature can vary depending on your position relative to the window and the light source. Different angles of view can result in different degrees of light refraction, leading to variations in the perceived curvature.

Is this optical effect unique to bus windows, or can it occur with other types of glass?

This optical effect is not unique to bus windows; it can occur with any type of glass that is not perfectly flat or uniform. Car windows, building windows, and even eyeglasses can produce similar effects under the right conditions.

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