Recommendations for virtual Maps of Saturn and Jupiter.

Hello everyone,

I hope you and those close to you are keeping well. 

During the opposition of Mars last year, some of you kind folk suggested I used some free software programmes to help me identify features on Mars. Thanks to your recommendations I had a great time observing Mars last October.

So, with the opposition of Saturn and Jupiter coming up, I thought I'd reach out to you again and ask what virtual Maps you use that help you identify features on these gas giants. 

Thanking you in advance, 

Darren. 

Planetary observation is not something I spend too much time on Darren, but I recall that generally speaking Saturn displays a pretty bland disc without too much detail. You could get lucky and discover a bright spot like the comedian Will Hay did in 1933, but that's a long shot... the rings more than make up for the lack of cloud-top action I think it's fair to say... Jupiter is quite different though with much more activity - I'd imagine it's rather difficult to have a virtual map however, as the festoons, eddies and other atmospheric disturbances are unpredictable and dynamic; not chiselled features as on the surface of Mars. The main Belts and Red Spot are exceptions to this of course.

Clear skies,
Finbarr.

Hi Darren,

Try WinJupos it's used for derotating images of jupiter mut might have mapping functions.

Michael.

Morning Finbarr and Michael,

Very many thanks for your messages, advice, and suggestions. I'll certainly consider what you've said. 

Thanks again, and clear skies, 

Darren. 
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