While imaging Jupiter on the morning of the 2nd May 2009, you can imagine my shock and surprise when a massive bug, at least 3 times the size of the Earth, invaded and started attacking Jupiter!
Click the image below to watch the shocking event unfold!
Continue reading for my expert analysis, and for the final chapter on this dramatic story. Did the bug wipe out Jupiter, or did the Jovians repel the 6-legged invader?
Well it’s been a long time coming. Usually the seeing at my location is best between February and June, but this year it’s been horrible every day – I’ve been out trying to image Jupiter almost every clear morning for 2 months and have been increasingly discouraged at not having anything better than 5/10 seeing all year.
Well finally the good seeing has started to arrive with a high-pressure system overhead. On Saturday morning, 2nd May 2009 I had the best seeing I’ve had this year so far, as it peaked at 7/10 in my last imaging run of the session. Jupiter was at a nice high altitude of 67°, and was reasonably steady on the screen as I captured this image.
Jupiter, Oval BA and Europa's Shadow
Oval BA still appears orange but does appear to be lighter than last year. The resolution still isn’t there yet to see any other structure within it. Europa’s shadow is visible on the Eastern limb.
Continue reading to see two other images from earlier in the session.
My name is Mike Salway and I'm an amateur astronomer and photographer. I'm the co-founder of IceInSpace, and this is my personal blog site and image gallery. Read more about me.
My name is Mike Salway and I'm an amateur astronomer and photographer. I'm the co-founder of 
