Jupiter and Wesley Comet Impact Scar
Sketch and Details by Frank McCabe
Finally after several attempts I was able to capture the new look of Jupiter with its Wesley impact scar still visible. Clear skies were predicted for my area but it wasn’t looking good when I set up at sundown. Scud clouds were moving across my area most of the night and when they went through the sky near Jupiter’s position they made the planet boil. I increased my chances for success by using an aperture stop on the 18″ inch scope, to more than double the f ratio and reduce the aperture to an unobstructed 8 “.
The scar was well past the ideal viewing position at the time I began sketching but it was clearly visible in intervals of average seeing.
Sketching:
8/5/2009 5:15 – 6:00 UT
Scope used 18″ f/5 masked to 8” f/10.5
Eyepiece used: 9mm UO ortho. For 222x
Sketch made on copy paper using graphite pencils
HB, 4B and 6B, and a blending stump.
Contrast increased +2, brightness decreased -2 using the scanner
Seeing: 5/10 for short intervals
Transparency 2/5
Frank McCabe
Bravo Frank that is a splendid sketch. You did well to keep pushing that big scope after ‘Old belty’ and sketch at the same time. A memorable event captured with your pencils for always. 🙂
Dale
Thank you Dale, I would have missed it if I didn’t stop down the aperture. Most of the viewing time Jupiter was boiling at full aperture. I’m spoiled and not so fond of push and sketch anymore. Thanks again.
Frank 🙂