A Smudge on the King’s Face

Jupiter with Wesley Comet Impact Scar
Sketch and Details by Richard Handy

About mid evening, Jupiter was a bright beacon of pale yellow as it rose over the rocky ridge covered in sagebrush in the small border desert town I now call home. Somewhat disappointed at the boiling image presented by the telescope, I resolved to return in a few hours. I hoped by then that my instruments would thermally stabilize and the seeing would improve so I could attempt a sketch of the Wesley Comet Impact Scar (WCIS). After hearing about this very rare impact cloud only a few days previously and seeing all the fine photographs and a few excellent sketches, I very much wanted my chance to draw it. When I resumed my session early in the morning the following day, Jupiter was nearly at culmination, it’s highest elevation as it crosses the meridian, so I started my sketch. In the south polar region the impact scar was an easily visible though subdued feature, it appeared as a dark lobe with with a “tail” like trail that faded to the south east. As I finished my preparation sketch, I thought about the impact and how just about every object we see, whether a star, planet, moon, asteroid or comet is created in a process of accretion. The sheer size and power of an event like this is a sobering reminder that the same power that creates all these bodies can destroy as well. I certainly I hope that you are able to observe or sketch this incredible event while it lingers in the shearing winds of the Jovian atmosphere.

Webmaster’s note: Generally, the webmasters here at ASOD are reluctant to post their sketches because we would prefer to showcase the talents of others. However, due to the strong interest in the Jupiter Wesley Comet Impact Scar, and the special request of teacher, astro sketcher and good friend Michael Rosolina, I decided to submit my sketch. Please consider taking the time to sketch this event and submit it to ASOD so that we can help document it’s evolving appearance.

My special thanks to Carlos E. Hernandez for his help with the photoshop adjustments to the final sketch image.