Jupiter, Impact Scar, Callisto, and Shadow Transit - JUL 23, 2009 09:00 UT

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Sketch of Jupiter, Callisto, Impact Scar and Shadow Transit

Sketch of Jupiter, Callisto, Impact Scar and Shadow Transit

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Observation Notes:

Jupiter put on a great show tonight!

The impact feature is still hanging on and was readily visible through my 8 inch Dob at 120X and 240X. The best part was the addition of a beautiful shadow transit with Callisto hanging just outside Jupiter's following limb. It also provided a nice contrast for comparison of the two spots. Callisto's shadow was strikingly black, while the impact scar appeared more as a soft feature that seemed to take on the brownish color of the surrounding clouds. I spent more time getting a feel for the impact site itself, and did detect a horizontal elongation and slightly condensed appearance.

I had a couple moments of incredibly good seeing that showed up a lighter patch north of the impact scar and corresponded well to the position of a white spot in the area. I did not detect this as a hard oval, just as a subtle brightening in the area. Midway through my observation, high clouds moved in and foiled my attempts to finish up detail on the preceding edge before it rotated out of view, so the equatorial belts are a little plain in that part of the sketch. I finished the observation just as Callisto was dipping into Jupiter's profile. What a great view!

SubjectJupiter, Callisto, Impact Scar and Shadow Transit
ClassificationPlanet
Position*Capricornus [RA: 21:49:16.7 / Dec: -14:15:27]
Size*48 arcseconds (Equatorial diameter)
Brightness*-2.8
Date/TimeJUL 23, 2009, 2:00 - 3:30 AM
(JUL 23, 2009, 09:00 - 10:30 UT)
Observing Loc.Flagstaff, Arizona, USA - Home
InstrumentOrion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian (203 mm dia./1200 mm F/L)
Eyepieces/Mag.Pentax XW10 + 2X Barlow (240X)
ConditionsMostly clear, occasional high clouds, humid
SeeingAnt. II-III
TransparencyMag 5.8 NELM
*SourcesStarry Night Pro Plus 5.8.2

6 Comments

Thanks for the sketching!! I was doing simpler doodles Wed. night/Thursday morning at the same time also with an Orion XT8 (at Nebraska Star Party at Merritt Reservoir , near Valentine, NE.)

We never did find the impact site but had fun watching and sketching the transit. First time I had see this much detail on the planet. I can see I need to keep an eye out for better e/p!

Superb! I wonder how long it will remain visible to amateurs?

Thank you both!

If the seeing is really soft, the details might only jump into view for the merest of moments. It certainly can be a challenge to compile those moments into a full picture, but sketches--even the most basic doodles--really do offer a great way to be sure you take in and remember as much as you can.

Aaron, the stunning HST image from July 23 does show it starting to spread out, but it looks like it's still got some life left in it. It will be interesting to see if we can still spot it when it smears into a band.

Jeremy your sketches never cease to amaze me. I've yet to take a look for the impact scar. Hopefully I'll still be able to catch it.

Ewan

Thanks Ewan! I hope you do get a chance to see it.


I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Susan

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About this Entry

This page contains a single entry by Jeremy Perez published on July 23, 2009 5:19 AM.

Jupiter and Impact Scar - JUL 21, 2009 07:20 UT was the previous entry in this blog.

Perseids - August 11/12, 2009 is the next entry in this blog.

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