Saturn + Titan Transit Animation

[iceman]

Hi all

Every 14-15 years as Saturn orbits the Sun, we pass through the ring-plane of Saturn and from Earth, Saturn’s rings appear edge-on. In 2009, right now, we’re at that time. When you compare this image from early 2008 (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-646), compared with this one taken almost exactly one year later (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2009/01/21/saturn-in-better-seeing-19th-january) (only a week ago), you can see what I mean by the rings being “edge on”.

Only during the ring-plane crossing times, do we get to witness Moon and shadow transits across the face of Saturn, as they usually pass below or above the planet from our vantage point. So on the morning of January 24th, when Saturn’s largest Moon, Titan, was due to transit, you can understand why I was hoping for clear and steady skies to capture this rare event.

I woke at 1:30am to begin my imaging session, but before I placed the camera in the focuser, I had a look with my 5mm TMB Planetary eyepiece and saw Titan just off the disc. Within 30 minutes it would begin its crossing. The conditions weren’t great, but at that stage it was clear so I was happy to be able to capture it no matter how unsteady the skies.

Unfortunately clouds came in from the South West and my night was cut short. But I was able to capture 3 frames, and below is an animation showing Titan just on the edge of the disc, and then crossing the face.

To read more, please go to:
Rare Saturn Titan Transit Animation (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2009/01/27/rare-saturn-titan-transit-animation)

Thanks for looking.

[erick]

Excuse the dumb question, please, Mike - that's the Moon transiting and not its shadow?

[iceman]

It's not a dumb question, Eric. It does actually look a bit like a shadow.

But it is Titan itself, NOT the shadow.

[Matty P]

Awesome capture Mike. :)

I was unable to setup for this event on the 24th, so it's great that you were able to get some images. :thumbsup:

How often do we get to see transits like this?

[erick]

Does this answer your question:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=39900

[Quark]

Hi there Mike,

Top stuff, very well captured. Wouldnt be many amateur images of Titan transits around.

I love the detail in the second image, obviously the seeing was quite variable but the detail in the second image is very good, the southern equatorial bands are well defined and the southern equatorial band zone is quite distinct as is the southern tropical zone and possibly the southern temperate band. It is great to see you posting some of your "R" channel images and at 2 x, very detailed indeed.



Regards
Trevor

[jjjnettie]

Fantastic effort Mike.
Thanks very much for posting.

[iceman]

Thanks for your comments, guys.


Thanks Trevor - it's unfortunate that the green and blue channels weren't as sharp.
With the bad seeing and clouds, going back to the 2x barlow and red channel was all I could do - but at least I was able to document this rare event.

Looking forward to trying again in the next weeks.

[Ric]

Lovely pictures Mike and a fantastic animation.

Cheers

[Lester]

Top capture of this rare event Mike.