2.14.04 Jupiter Sketch

Hi,

Had excellent conditions for Jupiter, seeing hovered around 7-8 P. This sketch was made using my 6" refractor. Later during the GRS transit, I used my 9.6" newt which showed a very solid image at 353x.

Of note are 2 very dark festoons on the following side of the NEBs. There were also some brightenings on the following side of the SsTZ. In the NPR, the was a definite linear feature that was just a bit darker than the surrounding NPR area. This feature the sloped southward starting from the following limb/NPRs.

Thanks, Sol Robbins

Attached Image:

Another great sketch,can't wait for a clear night to get started with this years round of Jupiter sketches.Lots of festoon activity this year even smaller scopes are picking up vivid blues.

Sol,

A very detailed and interesting observation of Jupiter. The two following NEBs festoons are very prominent as you point out. The SSTB shows a displacement to the north over it's following half. The sloping dark feature over the NPR is very interesting as well. Thank you for sharing this observation with us.

The blue festoons were not always located along the southern border of the North Equatorial Belt (NEBs). During the late 1800's (especially between 1870 and 1900) the festoons were located along the northern border of the South Equatorial Belt (SEBn). This was depicted in observations by famous astronomers of the time such as William F. Denning of Great Britain. Why the festoons "flipped" across to the other side (NEBs) is not known at this time.

Carlos