Viewing the Red Spot

I have yet to confirm seeing Jupiter’s Red Spot. I have a 5 inch Mak and I have had some great nights of seeing where I can see the main cloud bands quite clearly at 225X yet I have not been able to see any disruption in the clouds that would indicate the possibility of the Red Spot, let alone any direct indication.

I know the Red Spot is more white than red these days but still it escapes me.

I have used both blue and yellow filters. It seems as though I should be able to detect it based on the clarity of many of my observations.

What have you used for success? It may just have not been available on my best night of seeing but I have observed often enough that I doubt I have just been missing it. My scope does a pretty fair job on planets and DSO but this prize has eluded me. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks.

Daryl Crowley

Are you sure it's visible when you're viewing? I know it's the old have you got it plugged in question, but I have to ask I was able to pick it out of some modest seeing this winter with my 4" Mak.

Daryl,

When the GRS is just coming around to our viewing side, it is nearly impossible to see until it comes well around closer to the meridian. Your probability is at least reduced to ~25% chance, not 50%. You haven't got as much chance (time) to see it as you thought. Keep trying.

edz

Heres the address of a very fine program www.cpac.org.uk. Its called planets version 2.02 and includes Saturn. Its a jiffy and will show everything you need to know about Jupiter. The program will reside on your computer and its free. The GRS will be yours after using this program as it shows where it is at all times. Good luck...............Also plots shadow and jovian moon transits.

I fully agree that the timing is important for viewing the GRS. It is MUCH easier to see during the two hours around meridian passage than at other times (while still theoretically visible).

Another issue when looking for detail on Jupiter: Spend suficcient TIME to adapt your eyes to the elusive colour contrast on the planet's surface. I have very often experienced to see almost nothing on Jupiter to begin with, but after some minutes detail starts appearing. During a longer observing session it is also wise to re-observe Jupiter several times. Seeing often improves during the first hours after sunset, and the rapid rotation of Jupiter brings in new features all the time, even when the GRS is absent. Good luck!