[BAA-ebulletin 00865] Bright spot on Neptune

[Rick]

[BAA-ebulletin 00865] Bright spot on Neptune
(c) 2015 British Astronomical Association    http://www.britastro.org/

Damian Peach has kindly forwarded details of the detection of a large and very bright spot on Neptune on 13 July 2015 by Ricardo Hueso and José F. Rojas while observing with the 2.2m telescope at Calar Alto  Observatory. Their images were taken using filters in the 0.35 ? 1 micron and 1.0 to 1,7 micro bands. Currently no ephemeris is available.

Due to its small angular size, the detection of features on Neptune is very difficult. However last year,  Anthony Wesley showed that it was possible to image such features with large amateur telescopes and suitable filters.  The professional recommendation (Agustin Sanchez Lavega)  is to use broad band I filters or  IR long pass filters. (above 750nm).

If this spot is detected, please send any observations to the BAA Saturn Section.

Mike Foulkes
Saturn Section director.