[BAA 00221] Recent developments on Saturn

[Rick]

Donald Parker (400mm refl. and Lumenera 075M camera), Coral Gables, Florida, USA, reports  recent developments in the SEB(Z), STB(N) / STrZ of Saturn, captured on a sequence of four images made on 2006 Jan.24d 03h 59 to 05h 12m UT. The image made at 03h 59m UT shows a distinct small white spot in the SEB(Z) on the meridian, CM longitudes in degrees being 8.4 (S1), 353.8 (S2)  and 136.9 (S3). The image made at 04h 53m UT reveals a small but conspicuous white spot on the meridian, on the border of the STB(N) / STrZ. CM longitudes for this feature were 40.1 (S1), 24.3 (S2) and 167.3 (S3). The latter feature was confirmed on images made by Jim Phillips (Charleston, South Carolina, USA) on 2006 Jan.25 & 28d, Martin Lewis on Jan.25d, and Toshihiko Ikemura (Japan) on Jan.28d. The feature may be sufficiently established to be seen visually given steady seeing and medium to large aperture, and observers are urged to watch for the development at this time.

As expected, the opening stages of the occultation of the star SAO 98054 (BY Cancri) on 2006 Jan.25d, were marred by poor seeing resulting from the low altitude of Saturn for UK observers, though observers in eastern Europe appear to have had more success. Reports have been received from David Arditti, Richard Best, David Gray, Michael Foulkes, Guy Hurst, Richard McKim, Peter Parish, John Rogers, Ian Sharp and Dave Tyler. UK observers fared better with the end stage of the occultation, imaging or seeing the star as it cleared the south pole of Saturn.

CCD / webcam images received in the period near to opposition all show the surge in luminosity of the rings of Saturn known as the 'opposition efect', with some capturing both this phenomenon and the spot developments mentioned above!

Observations of Saturn at this time are as vital as ever, and should be forwarded at regular intervals to the undersigned.

David Graham
Section Director