As mentioned previously, the hemisphere of Jupiter beginning around longitude II 60 degrees and continuing well pas Long. II 160 degrees is in a state of wonderful turmoil and change.
There are two major rifts in the North Equatorial Belt (NEB) right now, and John Rogers of the British Astronomical Association (BAA) has just compiled two montages showing the development of these; one of the more prominent ones (located very near the same "face" of Jupiter as the GRS) is shown here:
Another area of incredible activity is that of the interaction that is NOW UNDERWAY between the STrZ white oval "BA" and the Great Red Spot. Images obtained here at the Observatory on January 2, show that BA, which is drifting rapidly eastward relative to the GRS, has now finally intersected at the SW perimeter of the spot.
With this image, you can plainly see the dusky oval just to the upper right (southwest) of the GRS and appearing to actually "override" the spot's SW perimeter.
This next image clearly shows the overriding effect that is occurring, with the clouds (?) from BA clearly covering the GRS. This information and conjecture has been confirmed by astronomers and Jupiter observers from the
ALPO and the BAA.
The actual longitude-to-longitude alignment of BA and the GRS (when both will be at identical longitudes) should occur on March 3, if no slowing down of BA takes place from Jan. 22 and beyond.
Observers are encouraged and urged to monitor both the NEB bright rifts (one is near long. 70 degrees and the other at about long. 150 degrees, both System II) as well as the very interesting possible changes that will likely take place with either/both the GRS and oval BA
These are great and exciting times for the GRS and the planet Jupiter!
New North Equatorial Belt (NEB) chart showing movement of major features
To all - here is a new chart tracking the major portholes (white oval features) and dark barges in the North Tropical Current of Jupiter prepared by Hans Mettig of the Netherlands. It clearly shows some of the dramatic features and the two new rifts that have developed in recent weeks:
Dr. Clay
[following is from Dr. John Rogers, BAA]:
Hans-Joerg Mettig has prepared this updated chart (GIF file) showing the movements of barges and portholes in the NEB. Several new barges and portholes have appeared in recent months (& I have given them numbers on the
chart, though these will have to be revised systematically when we write a final report). As previously noted, one of the new 'portholes' accelerated to the same speed as the long-lived white spot Z (WS4), and actually overtook one of the new barges - an unusual occurrence! Now the 3 barges in this region are converging and Hans-Joerg suggests the next merger may occur within a few weeks.
Best wishes,
John.
John H. Rogers, Ph.D.
Jupiter Section Director,
British Astronomical Association.
Copyright Arkansas Sky Observatory © 2001 [A.S.O.] All rights reserved. Revised: May 30, 2002
