Saturn 20-12-2010

[chrisrnuttall]

Hello

Here is Saturn from this morning

I went out with the intention of observing the white spot at CM3=29°, however inspite of an hour of continuous observing in pretty good conditions, the best I could do was a couple of hints of an extremely subtle disturbance on the globe of the planet in about the right place. This is shown on the drawing.

Seeing was good with extended steady periods at 300X.

Clear sky and no wind.

Much colder again -9°C. I put some gloves on this time!

Notes about the planet / rings;

The Southern hemisphere was bluer than the North.

The EZ was bright and yellow-ish

The NEB was a warm browney-grey,

The NTrZ / NTeB general area was cooler in colour, this is where the disturbance was detected

The rings were slightly darker and browner than the disc.

Cassini was easy but not seen all the way round the rings.

B ring was brighter at its outer edge

C ring was seen most of the time.

Shadow of the rings on the disc was glimpsed

Shadow of the disc on the rings was broad.

[kris h]

Excellent sketch chris Amazing detail not seen it through my scope yet

but if it looks anythin near what that does cant wait

and with gloves on

[dweller25]

A great drawing Chris, I cannot wait for my back to mend so I can get out to see Saturn.

Clear skies.

[bish]

Excellent sketch. Looking forward to getting my scope back on it again. Never fails to impress no matter how many time I look at it.

[DarkerSky]

Another superb observation and sketch Chris.