First Sketch of Jupiter 27th August 2021

Hi everyone,

Isn't it nice to have some clear skies again. I thought last night was particularly good. Knowing that Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) was going to be visible from 22:00UT +1, I decided I was going to try to sketch the planet and its raging storm. 

Using my f/5 250mm Newtonian Reflector on a Dobsonian base, and my newly acquired Orion Edge-on planetary 5mm eyepiece, I sketched the planet from approximately 22:30UT+1 from my back garden. In addition the the GRS, Europa, and Io caught my attention. When viewed at 52X it seemed that there was only one Galilean Moons on the planet's western limb. However, when I pushed to 250X I could see two - It was a lovely sight!

In addition to these features, the NEB was most disguishable at 250X. On the belt there were two dark spots, with the one on the Eastern side slightly more darker. What's more it had a more circular shape than the dark spot next to it. In terms of the GRS, it showed its oval shape, with more of the storm seen in South Equatorial Zone of System I. Also on the western limb of of SEB, a more darkened triangular-shaped feature viewed, and it can be seen in the attached sketch. 

Speaking of darkened regions the SPR, and NPR showed shaded colour, with the SPR more prominent. It was a similar story with both caps. In this area the SSTeB was also observed as a faint line running in West-East direction. 

Taken together, Jupiter showed lots of detail last night, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time out under the stars. 

Before I finished up, I had a quick look at the magnificent Double-Cluster, and the ET Cluster. With the Moon close by it washed out many of the lower magnitude stars in and around these clusters. So, the last object of the night was 'Luna' herself. With Lunation being 19.44 days the terminator hugged 'Theophilus', 'Cyrillys', and Catharina. As I've sketched these craters last year, I decided to take a photo with my phone instead. While the sketch, and photo are far from perfect I hope you like them. 

Many thanks for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcomed. 

Clear skies, 

Darren

 

 


 

Nice details on Jupiter, I tried to sketch it in the past and could never get it right.
Well done.

Paul

Hi Paul,

Very many thanks for the message. It was daunting to try and accurately capture the details, but if I wanted it to be 100% I would have never finished the sketch. These representations are more for a record of the night's session. Also, I find the sketching process is a nice way  to spend time trying to pick out details, and getting to know the features of planet(s). Half the fun for me is after the session, when I compare what I captured against photos, or other more accurate sketches...I love that part of it because it makes me want to go back out and try again. 

I checked out some amazing sketches of Jupiter over on Cloudy Nights that could be used for scientific purposes they're that good. Paul Able, and David Gray's sketches are unreal, and well worth a look. I also used ALPO Japan for the photos. Ramble over  

Clear skies, 

Darren. 

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Hello Darren. 

Your sketch of Jupiter is very easy on the eye. Stunningly good details all round. 
It seems you have become quite a splendid artist of the Moon, stars, and now, planets! 
From your sketch it looks as though the Great Red Spot is a pale orange. Am I right or wrong?

Please keep up the good work, friend. 

Clear skies from Aubrey.  

 

Good morning Aubrey,

Very many thanks for your kind words. I was delighted to read that you enjoyed the sketch... Still loads of room for improvement, but I'm happy with how Jupiter turned out. Good spot there - see what I did there OK, I'll get my coat! 

The GRS was a lighter hue of orange when compared to those two darker spots / barges. 

There might be a break in the clouds ti's and tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get back out again and observe Jupiter again... Fingers crossed. 

Have a good week, 

All the best, 

Darren.