Quote:
Originally Posted by RugbyRene
Hi all,
I would like to observe when Io is eclipsed by Jupiter and I am trying to find a resource that calculates when that happens. I thought it would be easy to find something that would list the dates and times in a table or a piece of software that would allow me to input my location and the range of dates and spit something out, but I can't seem to find it.
I have Stellarium and there a few websites that will calculate for a specific date but nothing that will calculate the dates and times for say the next 12 mths.
Does anyone know if there is a software package or website that does this?
Rene
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Hi Rene,
You already have the solution: Stellarium.
All you need to do is use/become familiar with Date/Time feature and increment the MONTH, DAY, HOUR, MINUTE or SECOND value using the up/down arrows on that window on the Stellarium Screen (see screenshot attached). You can also use the Fast Forward, Play, Stop and Rewind/reverse time features and fast forward time from the current date,
but that will be far too slow for travelling through 12 months. Just select and center Jupiter as the target and then simply note the date/time of occultation or transit or whatever event you're seeking and keep going (running the time forward) with the DAY, HOUR, MINUTE etc... or until you get all the events you want for the next 12 months.
Make sure your location is set accurately so that the event time is accurate for you and/or allow yourself some time leeway if it's an important/rare event that you want to setup for. It also helps to frame the Stellarium view to match your telescope/camera and ensure the tracking is set to match the tracking you use: Equatorial or Alt-Azimuth so that you see what to expect with the image orientation.
Have Fun and post your video/pics if that's what you're doing with it.
Best
JA