are these Jovian moons?

[blucenturion]

Last night I used 8X42 binocs to observe Jupiter and there appeared three white objects SSW of the planet, and one that appeared in perfect alignment with those three, on the opposite side, or NNE. Realizing my explanation may leave something to be desired, I made this illustration. I was a bit skeptical that these were the four moons, because they were in such perfect alignment and spacing, even better than I've illustrated here. As though it could have been refractions. But I'm not sure about this point. Is it possible to see the four moons with this type optics?

[knobby]

Yep ... That's the moons

[LouisJB]

definitely them, you can tell as they are in the straight line like that. Definitely visible in bins although you'll need a small scope to see the surface of Jupiter itself.

[AstroJOE]

Spot on. That's definitely them! It's always nice to watch them over the course of an evening as they move position, particularly when they transit across the front of Jupiter and cast a shadow.

[blucenturion]

Thanks! I don't know why I didn't go back out and check for movement, I guess I got tied up in my movie, but I am def going to look again this evening. Why haven't I known this before!

[blucenturion]

Thanks for the quick replies, this is exciting as hell, thanks again.

[Knight of Clear Skies]

Yes, those are the moons. They are all in a line because they formed in the same accretion disc around Jupiter, back when the solar system was gettings its act together. Jupiter and its moons is always a lovely sight, and an enlightening one.

[Guy Wells]

By Jove, he's got it!

[Stu]

This is how it appears on SkySafari last night. Matches your sketch very nicely.

Cheers,

Stu

[stargazerslivingroom]

I like this site (App) for checking...

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/javascript/Jupiter

You can easily change the view to suit your equipment ( Bins, refractor etc) and also move the time to whenever you were viewing.

HTH

Steve

[blucenturion]

those are two very interesting apps, thanks guys.

[stevend]

For andriod users there is JoveMoons https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=astroapps.simulators.jovemoons&hl=en_GB

[lensman57]

They look like a nice family, don't they?

A.G

[blucenturion]

I want to return and display what I captured with a Canon 200mm. It is now clouding over, so no further improvement is possible tonight.

[Kirscovitch]

Jupiter and her moons are by far one of my favorite views. Always moving. Always changing.

[blucenturion]

200mm is the bare minimum focal length, but I've sold all my longer lenses when I didn't think I'd be needing them any longer. Now I'm reconsidering with Jupiter so high and bright.

[cantab]

With the size of Jupiter there, I reckon you'd get some features on the disc if it wasn't over-exposed. Maybe combine two shots, a shorter exposure for Jupiter and a longer one to pick up the moons?

[blucenturion]

Excellent idea.

[Fahndar]

Nice picture!  Exactly what I see in my 20x60 binoculars. Jupiter is always the first object I look at when starting observing. I like to see how the moons positions changed and then look at The Starry Night to see which moon is which.