Jupiters Moon

[Shivam_yadav]

While seeing Jupiter I see three of its moon I guess !! As they are aligned in straight line ! How many moons can be seen easily ? 

[Steve Ward]

Usually four easily , but there are occasions when only 2 or 3 are visible , the others being either behind the planet or hidden in its shadow.

If you zoom into Jupiter in Stellarium , press "T" to centre it , zoom in using " / " and then fast forward the time you will see the wonderful dance the Moons perform as they orbit .

[Stu]

Yep. Only four are visible in amateur scopes. They orbit Jupiter in a predictable fashion, the orbit times change depending on how far out they are from the planet so their positions constantly change. They are roughly in a straight line, and pass in front of and behind the planet. When they pass in front, it is often possible to see the shadows they cast on the surface as small, jet black dots. The moons are harder to see as they are a similar colour to the disk itself, although they get easier towards the edge where it darkens.

If you go to the Sky & Telescope website, there is an app which predicts the positions and times of the transits, and also for the Great Red Spot. Timing for the GRS in Stellarium can often be off, so use S & T for that.

Cheers

Stu

[Astro Imp]

As well as Stellarium I find this:- http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/javascript/jupiter# useful.

Also for the Great Red Spot:- http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/planets/3304091.html?page=1&c=y

[Shivam_yadav]

Thanks to all ! I saw all four moons !

[Big_Daz]

Yes all four moons were in visibility last night, all in a neat line aswell

[Paul M]

Thanks to all ! I saw all four moons !

It's an amazing sight isn't it!!

Try watching them closely over a few hours and you'll be able to see their relative movements.

Celestial mechanics at their best

[Shivam_yadav]

It's an amazing sight isn't it!!

Try watching them closely over a few hours and you'll be able to see their relative movements.

Celestial mechanics at their best

Thanks for suggestion Paul ! 

I'll surely do that !

[cosmosboy]

with my 15x70 celestron skymaster i usually see three , occasionally four of them . and sometimes only 2 . well this link will help u regarding jupiter's big 4 moons ............

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/javascript/jupiter#