Wed Jul 20 10:28:53 1994
Visible Observation of SL9 Impact Sites L and G from Suburban Maryland
Observing with a 3.5" Questar telescope and a 180x eyepiece from 1:15-1:40 UT (7/20/94) , two dark spots were clearly discernible on the disc of Jupiter at the latitude of the SL9 impacts. The dark spots appeared to be 50 to 75% of the size of the Great Red Spot (not visible at that time) and a bit darker than the NEB. Based on a timing chart supplied by Mike Brown (U.C. Berkeley), the two spots were most likely the L and G/D (near the central meridian) impact sites.
Seeing conditions were poor, with hot, hazy, and very humid skies (typical for Maryland this time of year), and the image of Jupiter wavered in and out of focus. However, in the good moments, both the NEB and SEB, as well as the two dark regions were clearly visible! Also, these observations were made from the parking lot of our apartment complex!!! Jupiter had disappeared behind the haze and clouds by 2:40 UT making further observations impossible.
We attempted to observe the impact of B around 3 UT (7/17/94), but saw nothing. Seeing conditions that night were approximately the same as 7/20. Only the NEB and SEB were visible that night.
The message for other amateur and arm-chair astronomers is clear, if you can see Jupiter, don't walk -- run -- get your telescope and take a look!
Dr. W. Wallace McMillan, Dept. of Physics, U. of Maryland Baltimore County
phone: 301-604-3516 (H), 410-455-3001 (W)
Rae A. Force, Esquire