Astronomy

Observing Log for

Session Details


Northallerton

54.33, -1.445

10m

Notes

Following a clear day I was hopefully of sighting bright Jupiter in the darkening sky. Shortly after finishing the session the clouds had gathered although they did clear later in the night

Observations

Jupiter and Asteroid Vesta

At the beginning of the summer, whilst still observing with the Durham University Astronomical Society we spent time on a couple of occasions looking for Asteroid Vesta as it passed near Jupiter. It is currently making a second pass, with Jupiter in the constellation Ophiuchus, bringing it (seemingly!) even closer to the giant planet which is now setting quickly in the south-western sky shortly after sundown.

With this in mind I went outside earlier on to have a look at this encounter through my binoculars whilst I've still got the chance. Two of the Gallilean moons were visible (Callisto and Europa) and just above the bright planet I could spy the dim dot of Vesta just visible through the gloom. Encouraged by this I set-up my camera on its tripod and took a few shots. None are amazing, being somewhat trailed due to the high zoom and no tracking, but nevertheless on checking them out I have picked up Jupiter, Vesta and at least two moons.

Jupiter and retinue (8s, f/3.3, ISO 400, 72mm focal length):

Jupiter and Asteroid Vestahttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/1279327049_476814502a.jpg

I was lucky to catch anything as shortly after putting my camera away the clouds had rolled in and the stars were lost.

If you do get the chance be sure to check this out (Vesta is around magnitude 7 and therefore requires binoculars to see) as the two will remain close together for the next few days.

Images