Posted on 10/22/2011 4:08:20 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: On October 29 (UT), Jupiter, the solar system's largest planet, will be at opposition, opposite the Sun in planet Earth's sky, shining brightly and rising as the Sun sets. That configuration results in Jupiter's almost annual closest approach to planet Earth, so near opposition the gas giant offers earthbound telescopes stunning views of its stormy, banded atmosphere and large Galilean moons. This sharp snapshot of Jupiter was captured on October 13 with the 1 meter telescope at the Pic Du Midi mountain top observatory in the French Pyrenees. North is up in the image that shows off oval shaped vortices and planet girdling dark belts and light zones. Also seen in remarkable detail, Jupiter's icy Ganymede, the solar system's largest moon, is emerging from behind the planet (top) while volcanic Io enters the frame near the lower left edge.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit & Copyright: S2P/IMCCE/Obs. Midi Pyrénées, Jean-Luc Dauvergne, Francois Colas]
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Jupiter’s been looking great for a while now with my 12x50’s. I’ve not bothered to bring out the telescope.
It looks like it’s getting MORE Big Red Spots.
Nothing as big as the Original Big Red Spot though.
Now Jupiter is in opposition? Oh, no! Now we’re gonna hear “Occupy Jupiter!”
Even on my modest telescope, Jupiter and four of its moons have been spectacular the past week or so.
Great idea! Think we could fit 'em all on the next rocket ship to Jupiter?
Absolutely and more. You could put a godzillion pinheads in there.
Juspiter has been looking great in the sky during the past couple of weeks. Anyone should do themselves a favor and take a look with at least some binoculars. The moons show up very well.
...Orion, Orionids, Waning Cresent Moon, Jupiter, Venus. Gonna be a good night...
Venus has been setting behind the horizon, about an hour behind the Sun during the evenings. A very narrow time window for seeing it.
Hmmm... Icy moon. More than one, actually.
I don’t understand. Who or what is Jupiter opposing?
And the sky is finally clear here in FL!
Anything it wants. (adaptation of old joke)
The Great Dark Spot
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/863768/posts
New red spot appears on Jupiter
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2020697/posts
Astronomy Picture of the Day[ Red Spot Jr. or just Oval BA]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1672241/posts
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot Has Companion
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1628232/posts
Jupiter’s Little Red Spot Growing Stronger
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1719531/posts
Third Red Spot Erupts On Jupiter
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2019773/posts
Jupiter’s Third Red Spot Destroyed
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2044887/posts
Jupiter’s Spots Disappear Amid Major Climate Change
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1121982/posts
New Storm on Jupiter Hints at Climate Change
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1626751/posts
Good idea, I’ve been seeing it shining in the urban night sky, and haven’t tried taking a closer look.
:’)
Thanks.
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