Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It is one of the gas giants and occupies the fifth position from the Sun. To get a perspective of its size, know that it takes almost 12 years to make a revolution around the Sun. It is known for its Great Red Spot and bands of clear clouds. and dark. It is one of the brightest astronomical objects after the Sun, the Moon and the planet Venus. Every year, for several months, Jupiter shines for several hours before and after midnight, thanks to its important dimensions. Many people love to observe this planet, which allows beginners to enjoy the beauty of distant celestial bodies even without expensive equipment.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Getting the Equipment
Step 1. Get a star map
Before starting the observation of Jupiter, you should have a map of the sky indicating where to look. For more experienced astronomers, sophisticated maps are available that show the position and trajectory of the planets. For amateur observers who cannot read these maps, the various smartphone applications that help identify Jupiter, stars and other celestial bodies are useful.
The only thing you need to do with certain applications is to hold the mobile up to the sky and the program will tell you what the stars and planets are
Step 2. Prepare binoculars
Jupiter is so large and bright that it can be observed with good binoculars. Those that provide seven times magnification are sufficient to locate the planet as a small white disk in the sky. If you don't know the magnifying power of the tool you are using, look at the numbers printed on one side; if you find 7x followed by another value, it means that the binoculars magnify seven times and is sufficient for your purpose.
Step 3. Get a telescope
To really get a good view of Jupiter and its spectacular features, you can enhance the observation experience with a modest telescope. This equipment allows you to see its famous bands, all four moons and even spot the Great Red Spot. The range of telescopes available is really wide, but a 60 or 70mm refractor is fine for a beginner.
The performance of the telescope is lower if the optics are not cold enough. Keep it in a relatively cool place and before starting observation put it outdoors, so that its temperature can drop
Part 2 of 4: Prepare for Observation
Step 1. Find out about the observation conditions
You can save yourself a lot of unnecessary hours by quickly learning to recognize favorable conditions for viewing celestial bodies. Before mounting the telescope, look at the stars. See if they sparkle bright across the sky. If so, it means that there is some atmospheric turbulence that makes it more difficult to observe the planets, while your goal is to take advantage of a starry night with a calm sky. On a clear night with good visibility conditions, the sky should be somewhat foggy.
The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), a non-profit association for astronomical observation, has established a scale of 1 to 10 for ranking observation conditions. If the score is less than 5, the chances of seeing the planets well are pretty slim
Step 2. Find the right time of night or day
The best time to observe the planets is obviously at night, but Jupiter is so bright that it can sometimes even be spotted just after sunset or just before sunrise. At sunset, you can see Jupiter "rising" from the east, but during the course of the night its trajectory travels the sky to the west. In the northern mid-latitudes, Jupiter can be seen in the west just before the Sun is born in the east each morning.
Step 3. Choose an observation point and be ready to wait
Check that you have placed yourself in a good dark and quiet place so that you can concentrate on observing the planet. The backyard garden is perfect, but keep in mind that it is a slow and passionate activity; So remember to cover yourself with warm clothing and be prepared for a long wait. If you plan to document the observation, prepare all the material you need so as not to be forced to leave.
Part 3 of 4: Observe Jupiter
Step 1. Locate the planet with binoculars
Find a comfortable and firm position; If possible, mount the binoculars on a tripod or other stable and fixed structure to eliminate normal hand tremors. Thanks to binoculars you should see the planet as a white disk.
- You may also spot four special light sources near the planet; they are the four Medicean satellites. Jupiter has at least 63 moons in its orbit. In 1610 Galileo gave the name to four of them: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. The number of visible satellites depends on their position relative to Jupiter.
- Even if you have a telescope, it's worth using the binoculars to locate the planet in the sky before using the other tool for more detailed observation.
Step 2. Take a closer look at the planet with a telescope
Once you have identified Jupiter, you can use this tool to start studying its surface in detail and recognize some main features. Jupiter is famous for the dark bands and light areas that run along it sideways. Try to recognize the central light zone known as the equatorial zone and the darker bands to the north and south of it.
When looking for bands, don't be discouraged. It takes time to learn how to spot them through a telescope; it is worth starting the observation with a person who is already experienced
Step 3. Find the Great Red Spot
One of Jupiter's most fascinating features is its red spot, which is actually a huge oval-shaped storm much larger than Earth. It has been observed on the planet's surface for more than 300 years and can be found on the outer edge of the southern equatorial band. The zone clearly shows how rapidly Jupiter's surface changes; within one hour you should be able to notice the Great Red Spot moving across the planet.
- The intensity of the stain can vary and is not always visible.
- It is not exactly red, but has a more orange or light pink color.
Part 4 of 4: Documenting the Observations
Step 1. Try to draw what you see
When you have a good image of Jupiter, you can validate the astronomical observation by drawing the planet and taking notes on its appearance. This is the decidedly less technological version of the basic activity of astronomical study: observing, documenting and analyzing what you see in the sky. Jupiter is constantly changing, so try to draw it within twenty minutes; in this way, you respect a great tradition of astronomical drawing.
Step 2. Take some pictures of the planet
If you prefer a more technologically advanced method of recording your observations, you can try taking pictures. Just like the telescope, the camera can be more or less powerful and still get good results. Some astronomers use charge-coupled cameras and even lightweight, inexpensive webcams to capture planets through the telescope.
If you want to use a DSLR camera, remember that higher exposure captures the moons more clearly, but blurs the light and dark bands found on the planet's surface
Step 3. Make a video
An excellent way to document the constant changes in the position of the moons and those occurring on the surface of Jupiter is to film them. You can do this in a very similar way to the method used to take photographs.
- Use your notes to make comparisons between observations and monitor superficial changes to find something interesting.
- The clouds are very turbulent and Jupiter's appearance can change a lot in a matter of days.
Advice
- You can find a lot of useful information on the website of the National Institute of Astrophysics, while on the NASA website you can read details about the Galileo probe and its discoveries.
- Always make observations in a dark area, such as in the backyard.
- Download the Google Sky Map application to your mobile phone to make it easier to identify Jupiter.
