Jupiter Transit and Shadow

February 05, 2015

JupIoEurGan010815ChumackLRweb

Photographer: John Chumack
Summary Authors: John Chumack; Daniel Leclerc

Shown above is an image of Jupiter and three of its moons; Io, Europa and Ganymede. As Io transits across Jupiter its shadow is cast upon the planet’s upper atmosphere. The Great Red Spot (GRS) is also shown. Single shadow transits of Jupiter aren't unusual, but on January 23/24, 2015, a rare triple shadow event occurred. This image was captured on January 8, 2015, from my backyard observatory in Dayton, Ohio.

Earth is now between the Sun and Jupiter, placing Jupiter opposite the Sun in our sky. Oppositions of Jupiter occur every 13 months. Because it's opposite the Sun, Jupiter can be easily seen with the naked eye at any time of night. On February 6 Jupiter will be at perfect opposition -- its closest approach to Earth in 2015. Even moderate power binoculars can reveal Jupiter's four biggest moons -- Galilean Moons.

Photo details: QHY5IIL and 10 inch scope; SCT(1600 mm); 2400 avi frames stacked in Registax6 and assemble RedGreenBlue in Maxim DL software.