Message #10910

[martinastro]

Dave, thanks for the latest information and for sharing your wonderful memory with me about seeing the SL-9 impact scars and meeting Gene...what an experience that must have been, a real dream come true!. Observing the eyes on Jupiter must be at the top of your all time favourite list along with your asteroid discoveries.

Back in 94 I knew nothing about Astronomy although I did have a growing interest in it at the time. I recall beeing fascinated by the SL-9 impact and its build-up, and fondly recall watching programmes showing Gene, Caroline, and David on TV and getting excited by the developments. I didn't know back then that these same people would later be so inspirational to me. I didn't have a scope back then nor did I know that they could be seen in a back yard scope so I never got to see that event. I have read plenty of detailed books on that impact since though.

I agree with your theory. I believe it most definitely is a comet which hit Jupiter.  It probably hit the far side of the planet as it approached from the outer solar system then rotated into view, the probability of a comet is higher in that region of the solar system. Just goes to show how systematic observation and imaging of the solar system (and beyond) by amateurs can still make phenomenal discoveries!. I agree also that the role of Anthony Wesley's discovery has been played down in a big way, with the attention in turn given to NASA and JPL and their instruments which is unfair. However, it's good to see that SW today has made sure Anthony got the credit he deserves.

Why have the media not picked up on this?...I don't know but it's a shame that they haven't. It's got to be one of the biggest news items on the net now within the astro community.

I spent pretty much the entire night observing Jupiter at high mag to help train my eye for spotting delicate features on the planet's disk which was successful despite the poor seeing. The planet danced and quivered all night and as it drifted across the field it felt like watching it slowly sink through the Ocean, viewed from underneath, due to the mositure in the atmosphere and the effects of the jet stream nearby. Hoping to make  a visual on this impact soon. Good luck all.