saturn animation

[bird (Anthony Wesley)]

Here's a simple animation combining two frames taken 11 days apart - one frame was taken on the 19th at Lostock, the other one on the 30th from Glen Innes.

Watch carefully, there are two different effects:

- the shadows are disappearing as we get closer to opposition

- at the same time the rings are *opening* out as we approach opposition. After opposition the rings will start closing again, this is the short cycle caused by the earths orbit being slightly inclined to saturns ring plane. The longer 26 year cycle of opening/closing is caused by saturns orbit and is superimposed on the short cycle).

regards, Bird

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Thanks Bird. That's very interesting. Something well worth noting for visual observing too.

[matt]

That's very cool... and interesting.

Nice demo

[iceman (Mike)]

Stunning! Absolutely beautiful red channel images, and a great example of the celestial mechanics.

[Dennis]

An awesome animation Anthony. An absolutely amazing astronomical accomplishment ably acquired and adroitly achieved.

Cheers

Dennis

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Now that is impressive. Simply briliant. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Cheers,

Brian

[allan gould]

Brilliant
Simply brilliant

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Onya Anthony, I look forward to some great viewing of Saturn as it Approaches opposition.

[avandonk]

Dare I say it.. that animation really rocks

Bert

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

So by 2033 we should have a complete animation of the rings opening and closing fully! I can't wait...I just hope I am still alive by then.

[davidpretorius]

legend!

with all the "stills" we take, I forget it is a dynamic system. The other morning i was imaging and noted how quick IO moves!

[Ric]

Great animation Bird, I quite enjoyed that.

Cheers

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Excellent Anthony

[duncan]

Hi all,

Excellent shots. I also noticed a slight change in the dark band on the planet to the left of centre. Wonder if it is a change on the atmosphere or a reflection of some sort?

Curious,
Duncan