Spent the afternoon and evening about 2 hours northeast of San Diego in a metal shed with a roll-off roof, observing the heavens through a huge modified Cassegrain reflector telescope with a 22-inch mirror.
The astro-photographers were doing one-minute exposures of a supernova in M82. The supernova is a star that exploded-get this- 22 million years ago - and just became visible this week!
While they were looking through their lens, I was looking through mine. I managed to get this handheld shot of the telescope and my prize, Jupiter! Would have been better with a tripod but I forgot my adapter.
Jupiter is the third brightest object in the Solar System after Venus and the Moon. And it actually has 63 moons, but most are extremely small.
Last night, three of Jupiter's moons were visible through the telescope but I was astounded when I reviewed this shot because I can see one of the moons at about one o'clock above the planet! It's really tiny and difficult to see but it's there if you enlarge it.
What an incredible opportunity. And I love this shot. I tried to see Jupiter's moon but don't think, even large, that 365's photo quality makes it possible.
@redy4et Is the supernova the starburst inside the band of pinkish color? Or is part of the color oozing from the SN2014 spot part of the supernova as well? So cool to be able to be where they are capturing this.
@taffy it's the starburst inside the band. If you scroll to the bottom of that page and click on "Return to photos" you can see some of Pat's other work. My favorites are Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon!
You are right, I DO see it! I am so glad you pointed it out. Great POV, by the way....I love how Jupiter is this "beauty mark" in the sky! What a great experience!
January 30th, 2014
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