Moonless Jupiter

MarkN · #1 08-01-2009, 09:38 PM

I read somewhere (of course I can't find it again) that on the 2nd August this year, no Jovian moons will be visible. This will only last for about 1-2 hours. Also not mentioned was which part of the globe would be able to see this very transient event.

Has this happened before in anyone's memory?

Mark.

Blue Skies (Jacquie) · #2 09-01-2009, 08:22 PM

Yes, a few years ago...hmmm...within the last decade? Its a pretty rare event. There's usually at least one moon showing.

A quick flick through Astronomy 2009 indicates that it's not visible form Australia.

Perhaps someone will come along with the answer soon.

MarkN · #3 09-01-2009, 09:10 PM

"A quick flick through Astronomy 2009 indicates that it's not visible form Australia".

Yeh, that'd be right! Ta for that Blue Skies.

Mark.

Smirnoff · #4 09-01-2009, 10:35 PM

It's a proven fact that any cool astronomical event is atleast 2 continents away from where you live.

Blue Skies (Jacquie) · #5 10-01-2009, 08:39 PM

Nooooo, not always. For example, the last time Jupiter had no moons it was visible from Australia - I remember it because here in Perth it occured only half an hour after Jupiter rose, around 11.30pm at night, so that it was quite low to the horizon. (I did manage to miss this, despite much talk about it beforehand....but I still remember it happened!)