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Catching up on some correspondence
Jan. 16th, 2009 07:41 pmOlder students may remember that in the fall of 1990, one of your observations was of the Great White Spot of Saturn. Younger students: this is a large white spot, visible only with a telescope and good viewing conditions, that appears on the planet Saturn at long intervals (at an interval of 27 to 30 years, depending on other factors).
This particular event has been an interest of mine since I first heard of it, and 1990 was my first chance to observe it for myself. Since that fall, there has been some discussion amongst astronomers about the nature of this phenomenon, and what it might indicate about the heavens. I recently got an owl from afriend fellow astronomer, who has been doing extensive research into previous observations. The research is tricky, as many of the titles are obscure.
My correspondent noted that in 1990, the spot seemed to increase, almost encircling the planet - it was apparently much smaller in past observations. Astrologers might argue it heralded some momentous event, but honestly, I cannot think what that might be.
Students: please consider for class this coming week the possible causes of such an event, and what information would be useful in future observations to understand the phenomenon. Questions here are welcome, especially for younger students who are only beginning their study of the theory.
And now, me, I'm up to the tower for some other observations.
This particular event has been an interest of mine since I first heard of it, and 1990 was my first chance to observe it for myself. Since that fall, there has been some discussion amongst astronomers about the nature of this phenomenon, and what it might indicate about the heavens. I recently got an owl from a
My correspondent noted that in 1990, the spot seemed to increase, almost encircling the planet - it was apparently much smaller in past observations. Astrologers might argue it heralded some momentous event, but honestly, I cannot think what that might be.
Students: please consider for class this coming week the possible causes of such an event, and what information would be useful in future observations to understand the phenomenon. Questions here are welcome, especially for younger students who are only beginning their study of the theory.
And now, me, I'm up to the tower for some other observations.
