[BAA-ebulletin 00588] Saturn SEBZ Spot

[Rick]

[BAA-ebulletin 00588]  Saturn SEBZ Spot
(c) 2011 British Astronomical Association -- http://www.britastro.org/

The major storm in Saturn's northern hemisphere continues to be visible but light spots have also been observed at other latitudes during this apparition. One such latitude where spots have been intermittently observed is within the South Equatorial Belt as shown in images taken by Damian Peach and Trevor Barry during March and April. Although using large instruments (a C14 and  a 406 mm Newtonian respectively) these spots have not been prominent.

Recently on 2011 June 3, Martin Lewis imaged a light spot in the SEB at an approximate latitude of 28 degrees south (planetographic). Its system 3 longitude was approximately 62 degrees. Although using a 222mm Newtonian, the spot was fairly obvious in this image. It may have also been visible in an image taken by Dave Tyler earlier that evening.

Although Saturn is becoming more difficult to observe, more observations are required to confirm if this spot is a new feature or identical to those fainter spots observed in March and April. These observations will be shortly available on the Saturn section web page:

http://www.britastro.org/saturn/

Mike Foulkes
BAA Saturn Section Director