Saturn on 17th April 2011

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:01 pm

Finally after months being overseas I am back in Singapore and managed to catch Saturn this weekend. Yesterday had clear skies and Saturn was well positioned at zenith by 12am. I attempted to observe the storms that was brewing or weakened.. not sure which.. in the northern portion of Saturn....this was the first for me since I had no opportunity to observe them when they began.

Scope: 12.5" dob
Magnification used: 320x, 416x
Atmospheric condition: Good. (sharp image at 416x consistently)

Features observed on the rings:
1. Crepe ring was very visible and could be seen running in a half ring for both sides
2. Cassini division was dark black and very obvious
3. Shading within B-ring
4. A ring visible with Encke Minima consistently observed
5. The shadow of the globe could 'cut' the ring at the rear of Saturn. Small gap. Pretty cool.

Features observed on the globe
1. Southern portion had darkening towards the poles
2. North Equatorial Band clearly seen and more molting on the East side. The band itself was slightly wavy in looks and was not that 'straight'
3. Above the NEB were the storms. I must say it was quite difficult to see the storms as it was really low contrast and very small. Much lower contrast than white ovals seen on Jupiter. There were about 5 groups of such white storms above the NEB. Two of them were at the far edge of the globe. In the centre had one that was quite bright.
4. Above the storms was the North Temperature Belt.. if I got it right the name. It was circular round the globe.
5. The northern polar region was elliptical in shape.

All in all it was pretty nice view of Saturn especially now with the rings positioned in more glory.

Attached is a link to my sketch.
http://img69.imageshack.us/i/170411saturn.jpg/

Anyone was able to observe the storms? Did the storms get progressively weaker and more difficult to observe?

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:32 pm

Nice visual report and sketch. Thanks for sharing what a 12.5" dob is capable of seeing in Singapore. Sunday night's seeing is better than the previous night. Quite pleasantly surprised I am able to focus Saturn with a Mak 5" using a 4.8mm eyepiece. More clear nights to come!

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:12 pm

Yup the atmosphere was better on the 17th than on the 16th. With your 5" Mak I would think you will be able to see the A, B, C rings, Cassini Division, NEB, Darkening at the north pole and south pole; I managed to see these details with my 88mm ED refractor on Friday night using 130x and 200x. It is not capable of seeing Encke minima, shade patterns on B ring and other details in the north of the globe though.

Do use about 200x magnification to observe the details (especially the rings) and back down the magnification to observe the subtle shading on the globe.

stargazer · Post by **stargazer** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:09 pm

Hello...if weather permits, any best time to view Saturn? [smilie=admire.gif]

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 10:44 pm

There is no hard and fuss rule. Currently 11pm to 1am is the best time. I usually use the moon as an indicator when to bring out my scope. If the moon looks sharp and detailed using just naked vision, it means the atmospheric seeing is good.

stargazer · Post by **stargazer** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 3:57 pm

Thanks Canopus. Hope my 4.5" scope can see some reasonably good view of Saturn!