How fast is BA oval moving in 2 weeks

[davidpretorius]

Ok, birds 2nd shot is so close to one of mine in terms of rotation (not quality mind you) that i thought i would try to get a feel for how quick it is moving towards the GRS.

It will probably slow as it approaches the GRS, and no doubt it is as unpredictable as our local cyclones etc.

Anyway, any punts on a date??

[Greg Bryant]

It's a variable date indeed! A few months back, when the red colouration of BA was first announced, we were all saying early July would be the conjuction date for BA and the Great Red Spot. But the GRS has moved several degrees since the beginning of the year.

Early July is still a good stab, but watch this space...

[Robert_T]

Davo, great science, great shots. It still amazes me that amateur stuff can track such features with such accuracy - all down to the humble webcam (ok Bird's probably isn't that humble).

So, wonder whether it will be ships passing in the night or more like one ship and one iceberg?

cheers,

[iceman (Mike)]

It's going to be very frustrating if it's too late in the year when they meet.. Jupiter will be getting too far west at any reasonable time and the seeing is usually rubbish in the first half of the night.

Can't wait for it though - could be one of those once in a lifetime events.

[davidpretorius]

yes, i was just thinking that iw what time of night. last night i had 8/10 seeing up to 12pm for say 2 hours do to the peltier cooling system and conditions.

I will start to have a look at starry night to get a feel for what dates are looking good?