Jupiter Sketch 02.01.04

Hi,

Finally had some reasonable conditions for using the 9.6" Newtonian.

The GRS is as pink as the last time I saw it, (January 11, 2004), and showed shading within the GRS Hollow. This year's apparition new and prominent dark spot was detected and is rendered in this sketch a little darker than it actually appears. It showed itself on the southern edge of the GRS and a little left of center in this rendering.

Of note were the festoons in the NEBs, with the one at the CM being darkest. The STb faded gradually as it approached the preceding limb. The SSTb appeared thinner with the same gradual fading towards the preceding limb. Other belts south of the SSTb that were seen a couple of weeks ago appear faded now with their adjacent zones appearing darker.

Thanks, Sol Robbins

Attached Image:

Another great sketch of Jupiter,I especially like the line of chimney smoke festons angling into the ez.How does Jupiter in your new Newt compare with the view in your old refractor?Did the chromocorr make a big difference in your 6" achro?I have a 6" celestron achro and it gives stunning views of Jupiter but not nearly as detailed as your sketches.In recent photos of Jupiter the dark spot was above the grs has it settled into the the storm? thanks again for sharing your wonderful sketches with us.

Sol,

Another excellent observation of Jupiter showing lots of detail. The STB/SSTB region appears very interesting in your observation as this has been an area of much activity during the current apparition. The Great Red Spot (GRS) and surrounding region looks interesting as well. The STrZ dark spot appears to have approached closer to the GRS than in previous weeks. Much activity is noted within the SEB, especially following the GRS. The blue festoons noted along the NEBs are well depicted. The bright rift within the NEB is also interesting. Please keep up the good work. I hope to observe Jupiter as soon as my weather improves.

Regards,
Carlos