JUPITER: Much Activity Increasing

[drclay]

In RED light to demonstrate the remarkable chaotic activity across all latitudes
Photos: ASO Petit Jean Mtn. / P. Clay Sherrod

The above image shows one face of the giant planet Jupiter on January 15, 2005 under not particularly good seeing conditions...even focusing was difficult, but the 16-inch scope at ASO Petit Jean recorded some 1250 images for this webcam composite, processed under Registax with NO post-processing.

Very interesting detail present; note the STrZ fol. the GRS, possibly indicative of early stages of a STrZ disturbance for some longitudinal span; also note the very heightened activity in southern latitudes, characterized by considerable spots and dusky ovals in the SSTZ and associated belts; a very large schearing or disconnect of the NEBs is noted, just pr. the CM, with a very dark segment (not barge-like) associated with this in the NEBs component (NOTE that this is denoted on the image incorrectly as the "SEBs").   Two very pale yellow ovals are associated with this NEBs disconnect. Note the brilliance of the white spots within the SEBzone fol. the GRS and the dark very well defined small central spot in the GRS.

As Jupiter climbs higher in the sky approaching opposition in late Spring and early Summer, the views should become increasingly better for viewers with even small telescopes.