Jupiter and Callisto's Transit

[Nightjar]

So, after observing Jupiter a couple of times this year, and being pleasantly surprised by the amount of detail that's been visible, Young Nightjar and I got ready last night for some further viewing. Scope, deckchairs, duvets and beers were set up .. and we waited for Jupiter to make its slow journey up from behind the trees. The sky was horribly light and seeing was terrible. Jupiter put on a slightly wobbly display, with 2 equatorial bands clearly visible and flanked by 3 moons.

Then Young Nightjar spotted the tiny shadow of one of the moons on Jupiter' s face. Small, dark but definitely there. It was Callisto.

It was the first transit we have ever seen, and so mightily impressed were we that we celebrated with a stack of sandwiches. This proved to be the only down side to an otherwise splendid observing session. Young NJ had made bacon and tuna sandwiches - by that I do mean "bacon and tuna", not "bacon"and "tuna".

Now we're looking forward to better viewing opportunities as Jupiter rises higher above the horizon in the months to come. But first we need to get our late night catering sorted out.

Nightjar

[Cloudwatcher]

Sounds like you had a good evening,what with the first view of a transit and all!

You never know,bacon and tuna sarnies might become the 'in thing'! :mrgreen:

Cheers

CW

[Sam]

Great stuff Nightjar on seeing the transit!