Mon Jul 18 04:03:10 1994
Observations with ROKCAM on the 2.7m telescope show significant structure in several of the impact sites. The D impact spot was clearly visible at 2.3 microns. The E/F area showed a bright peak about 1.5 arcsec to the east and north of a fainter and possibly more diffuse region at 2.3 microns. The A impact site was elongated to the northeast when viewed both at 2.12 and 2.3 microns. This elongation appeared to be double peaked, with a separation of about 1.2 arcsec. Site C became visible on the east limb just as ROKCAM observations were terminated. While these features are visible in the 1.50 micron (NH3) band, they are not nearly as prominent as at 2.12 or 2.3 microns. In a sum of several images at 2.3 microns, we are able to see a faint and thin connection along the limb of the planet between the polar hoods.
CCD imagery with the 0.8m telescope at 893nm showed a horseshoe shaped bright region at the E/F complex. The horseshoe opens towards the south pole. A, C and D were also visible, and the leading edges of E/F, A and C were to the south of the trailing edges.
The E/F complex appears as a dark horseshoe and the A and C features appear as dark spots in the continuum and 619nm methane band.
Low resolution spectra from 550 to 1080nm taken with the 2.1m telescope showed an enhancement of 10-15% of the residual intensity in the 890nm methane band at the locations of the E/F and A impact sites. None of these enhancements were as bright as the Great Red Spot at this wavelength.
High resolution (R=60,000) visible spectra from 350 to 1100 nm were obtained of the E/F and A impact locations, as well as undisturbed areas. Spectra were taken with the 2.7m telescope 2dcoude cross-dispersed echelle spectrograph. These data will require extensive analysis.
We also obtained 1.5 hours of continuous video recording of Jupiter taken with the 0.8m MLRS (laser ranging) telescope. The E/F complex appeared as an elongated dark spot. Impact sites A and possibly C were also seen.
The McDonald Comet Impact Science Team