I have attached a recent observation of Saturn made on October 29, 2002 (06:20 U.T.). Much detail was noted over the globe and rings (see description below). The skies were cooperating for me at this time. Any comments would be welcome.
Date (U.T.): October 29, 2002
Time (U.T.): 06:20
CM I 324.0, CM II 357.7, CM III 126.9
B (Saturnicentric latitude of the Earth): -26.2 degrees
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 194x, 248x, 344x
Filter: Wratten 30 (Magenta)
Seeing (1-10): 7-8, Antoniadi (I-V): II
Transparency (1-6): 6 (Clear)
Globe:
South Polar Region (SPR): Appeared dark (3/10) with a central spot (2.5/10), but no other detail noted within.
South Temperate Zone (STZ): Appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) with the southern half greenish in hue and the northern yellowish cream. No detail was noted within this region.
South Temperate Belt (STB): Appeared dusky (4/10) and thin, but no other detail noted within this region.
South Tropical Zone (STrZ): Appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) with a thin, dull (5/10) band bisecting it.
South Equatorial Belt (SEB): Appeared dark (3/10) and broad (especially the portion preceding the CM), but no detail noted within.
Equatorial Zone (EZ): Appeared bright (7/10) with a thin, interrupted dull (5/10) band bisecting it. No other detail was noted within this region.
Rings:
Ring A: Appeared dusky (4/10) with Encke's Minima noted throughout, especially over the ansae.
Cassini Division: Prominent throughout, but no detail noted within it.
Ring B: The outer half appearing bright (7/10) and the inner half dull (5/10). No spoke activity noted at this time.
Ring C (Crepe): Appeared dull to shaded (5-6/10), especially notable across the EZ.
The best of luck in your own observations and imaging. May you all have clear and steady skies.
Regards,
Carlos E. Hernandez
Date (U.T.): October 29, 2002
Time (U.T.): 06:20
CM I 324.0, CM II 357.7, CM III 126.9
B (Saturnicentric latitude of the Earth): -26.2 degrees
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 194x, 248x, 344x
Filter: Wratten 30 (Magenta)
Seeing (1-10): 7-8, Antoniadi (I-V): II
Transparency (1-6): 6 (Clear)
Globe:
South Polar Region (SPR): Appeared dark (3/10) with a central spot (2.5/10), but no other detail noted within.
South Temperate Zone (STZ): Appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) with the southern half greenish in hue and the northern yellowish cream. No detail was noted within this region.
South Temperate Belt (STB): Appeared dusky (4/10) and thin, but no other detail noted within this region.
South Tropical Zone (STrZ): Appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) with a thin, dull (5/10) band bisecting it.
South Equatorial Belt (SEB): Appeared dark (3/10) and broad (especially the portion preceding the CM), but no detail noted within.
Equatorial Zone (EZ): Appeared bright (7/10) with a thin, interrupted dull (5/10) band bisecting it. No other detail was noted within this region.
Rings:
Ring A: Appeared dusky (4/10) with Encke's Minima noted throughout, especially over the ansae.
Cassini Division: Prominent throughout, but no detail noted within it.
Ring B: The outer half appearing bright (7/10) and the inner half dull (5/10). No spoke activity noted at this time.
Ring C (Crepe): Appeared dull to shaded (5-6/10), especially notable across the EZ.
The best of luck in your own observations and imaging. May you all have clear and steady skies.
Regards,
Carlos E. Hernandez
Attached Image:
