Gregory's Jupiter Page

I have embarked upon a Jupiter observation project for September /
October of 1999.   I will try to post drawings of Jupiter from my
observations on a regular basis.

Drawing from planetary observation is new to me, and perhaps my
efforts show this.   I do believe that drawing planetary observations
in a larger than visual scale sharpens the vision and perception for
planetary observation.   Hopefully the drawings will improve with
experience.

I am observing through a Celestron C102 refractor mounted on a
Vixen Super Polaris DX mount.   Eyepiece will be noted on each
drawing but is usually a 9mm Nagler.    If I use any filters this will
be noted on or with each drawing.

I am observing from a suburban location near Washington D.C.

I have owned and used many many eyepieces.   For planetary viewing
I have especially enjoyed Celestron Ultimas and old Celestron silvertop
plossls, and Televue plossls.  But, and I think surprisingly,  nothing beats
the 9mm Nagler to my eye.  It's extremely comfortable,  color free, and
shows fine detail extremely well.  Gotta get a 7mm Nagler!

FLASH! :

My first Jupiter drawing with a newly acquired Celestron C5, and 7mm Nagler
for 178x,  .7mm exit pupil.  From a condo balcony in the Washington DC
suburbs,  21 October, 1999 2310 EST.   What a surprise!   Outstanding contrast,
detail.   More belts than I've ever seen, more detail between major belts,  amazing!

My second Jupiter drawing with the C5,  on October 27th 1999 at 2050 EST.
Notice the two ovals "above" the GRS, making almost a "Halloween" face!
Made under mediocre seeing conditions at 178x with the 7mm Nagler eyepiece.


 
 
 

Drawing #1:   Jupiter on September 11,            Drawing #2:  Jupiter on September 22,
1999 at 2300 EST.   C102 / 9mm Nagler            1999 at 2215 EST.  C102 / 9mm Nagler.
                                                                         Note:  Shadow transit near beginning....

Drawing #3:  Jupiter on September 22,                    Drawing #4:  Jupiter on September 23, 1999
1999 at 2340 EST.  C102 / 9mm Nagler.                   at 22:30 EST.  C102, 9mm Nagler.   Used 80a
Note:  Shadow transit ending...                                filter to pop some of the details.

Drawing #5:  Jupiter on September 24th, 1999 at        Drawing #6:  Jupiter on September 26th, 1999 at 0030Est
2310 EST, 9mm Nagler for 111x in C102 with 80a     9mm Nagler for 111x in C102


 

Drawing #6:  Jupiter on October 12th, 1999 at
2315 EST,  9mm Nagler in C102 for 111x
Note: Moon has just crossed planet surface, circular
feature below upper equatorial belt,  Great "tan" spot