An other amazing spectacle in solar-system astronomy! We must thank again the moons for such a wonderful show - as Io and Ganymede transited this last October 31, 2011. We here in America could not view this event as proficiently as we could have hoped to, but scattered simulations were found all over the web, reminding us of what did occur. Although I could find no pictures of this last transit, (it was very fortunate that I did the last!) here are some computer simulations from all over the web for us to see what did happen.
"After having such a prolific season of simultaneous Jovian dual-transits last May-June, it will be hard to accept the fact that we have only two more this 2011 season: October 24, 2011 and October 31, 2011. Each transits are an exact week apart (although times differ) and both are dual-shadow transits. Io and Ganymede both partake in each event, as their orbits must be aligned perfectly just for this week." Read more at the link above. (Basic insight of what happened).
Below is a picture computed (simulated) by Celestia software. You can see Ganymede and Io as the light blobs, and their shadows cast on the planet. If you would to see the picture clearer, you may click on it for higher resolution.
Although these are not the most high quality images available, they do beautifully illustrate the beauty of this transit. So, just to say - I will hopefully be receiving the 2012 Galilean moons calendar soon - so until next year....
"After having such a prolific season of simultaneous Jovian dual-transits last May-June, it will be hard to accept the fact that we have only two more this 2011 season: October 24, 2011 and October 31, 2011. Each transits are an exact week apart (although times differ) and both are dual-shadow transits. Io and Ganymede both partake in each event, as their orbits must be aligned perfectly just for this week." Read more at the link above. (Basic insight of what happened).
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31 October 18.23 UT |
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| Here's a simulation from WinJUPOS of what it will look like at 18:15 |
Below is a picture computed (simulated) by Celestia software. You can see Ganymede and Io as the light blobs, and their shadows cast on the planet. If you would to see the picture clearer, you may click on it for higher resolution.
Although these are not the most high quality images available, they do beautifully illustrate the beauty of this transit. So, just to say - I will hopefully be receiving the 2012 Galilean moons calendar soon - so until next year....
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