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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Jupiter providing a decent viewing opportunity
Thursday evening 04 January 2024

For those who received Xmas Telescopes, here is a great opportunity to test out your gear and catch some action.

Jupiter, King of the planets, large enough to swallow all the planets and room to spare, will display his mysterious "Great Red Spot" at a decent time of the night. Galileo first observed this gigantic storm on Jupiter in the 1600's, but probably has been spinning a long time before. One could fit about two Earth's within this hurricane-like storm - It's huge. But it does go thru phases, changing size and color. I have noticed over the years the changes in the GRS and the horizontal Equatorial bands, with one band actually fading away for a time and the GRS turning to a pale salmon hue, but now coming back to a deeper crimson.

But also tonight you can actually observe two of Jupiter's natural satellites "Blink" out as they go behind the planet in their orbits. Europa, (an Ice & water world) and Io, (Volcanic and sulfur) will slide behind the giant planet, proving that not all things revolve around the Earth.

Timeline:

The GRS will start to turn our way at about 7:30 pm

Europa will be the first to hide from us at about 9:20 pm and Io will join the hide & seek at 10:10 pm with the GRS pretty much near the edge of the planet.

The skies are clear and temps not bitter, so set-up your telescopes on Jupiter and enjoy the planetary mechanics first hand.

Astro Joe