Daytime Jupiter GRS
by Vern on Jul.05, 2009, under Astronomy, Planetary, Uncategorized
I’ve been curious whether or not Jupiter’s Great Red Spot could be imaged in the daytime. The circumstances for this morning was favorable as the GRS central meridian crossing was shortly after sunrise. (Sunrise this morning was scheduled for 5:43 am, GRS for 6:20 am). Also since Jupiter opposition is Aug 10 it is getting near maximum angle with the sun while both are above horizon.
So to find out, I got up early and set up the scope. Here is an image at 5:56 am MDT about 13 minutes after sunrise. (North approx. up, east left in the picture). Turbulence about 5/10. Background pixel brightness was aprox. 50/256.
Image taken at 6:06 am MDT about 23 minutes after sunrise. Turbulence about 5/10. Background pixel brightness was 125/256.
And finally 6:31 am 48 minutes after sunrise. Unfortunately I didn’t notice at the time but the focus was not good for the final shots. Turbulence deteriorated to maybe 4/10 as well. Background pixel brightness was 130/256.
