BARBADOS MISSION REPORT 2018

 MAY 3rd -  15th, 2018

 

Barbados was once again the destination for my overseas trip to image the night sky - my eleventh visit to the island since 2005. Jupiter reached opposition on May 10th so the planet was perfectly placed for observation throughout my stay. The declination of the planet had already dropped to -16deg though from the low latitude at Barbados the altitude of the planet still exceeded 60deg at its best.

Saturn also proved a prime target only a month away from opposition in Scorpius/Sagittarius with the rings still near maximum opening and Mars was also well placed toward dawn at around 12" arc sec apparent diameter. Overall the trip was as so many have been before it - a resounding success. Weather overall was good with only a couple of nights lots due to poor weather. There was also plenty of excellent seeing as is normal for the island. Unfortunately due to me being busy imaging Mars throughout its opposition i did not complete processing all of the data obtained until early 2019.

Once again its a big thank you to Eric and Louise on Barbados for their help and hospitality during my stay.

© Damian Peach, Feb 2019


SATURN IMAGERY


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May 14th, 2018. Very good seeing conditions. The bright polar storm is again well seen. C14 with FLIR Grasshopper 3.


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May 13th, 2018. Fair seeing conditions.  C14 with FLIR Grasshopper 3.


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May 12th, 2018. Good good seeing conditions. A bright storm is seen in the EZ and NTB. C14 with FLIR Grasshopper 3.


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May 11th, 2018. Very good seeing conditions. The bright polar storm is again well seen. C14 with FLIR Grasshopper 3.


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May 10th, 2018. Near perfect seeing conditions. The bright polar storm is well seen. C14 with FLIR Grasshopper 3.


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May 9th, 2018. Good seeing conditions.  C14 with ASI290MM.


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May 8th, 2018. Good seeing conditions.  C14 with ASI290MM.


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May 7th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. The bright polar storm is well seen.  C14 with ASI290MM.


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May 6th, 2018. Average seeing conditions.  C14 with ASI290MM.


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May 4th, 2018. Average seeing conditions. A bright spot is seen toward the NPR. C14 with ASI290MM.


JUPITER IMAGERY


Jupiter Movie 2018


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The entire face of Jupiter near opposition in May 2018.


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Jupiter on May 14th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. Ganymede and Callisto alongside the planet. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 13th, 2018. Poor seeing conditions. GRS and STrD well seen. C14 with ASI290MM.


 

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Jupiter on May 12th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 11th, 2018. Very good seeing conditions. GRS and STrD well seen. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 10th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 9th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. Oval BA well seen along with turbulent STB following it. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 8th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. GRS just appearing at left. Io and shadow in transit. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 7th, 2018. Excellent seeing. Oval BA and longitudes following it are well seen. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 6th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. GRS and STrD well seen. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 5th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. C14 with ASI290MM.


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Jupiter on May 4th, 2018. Excellent seeing conditions. GRS and STrD well seen. C14 with ASI290MM.


MARS IMAGERY


May 14th, 2018                 Dia: 12.7"


May 13th, 2018                 Dia: 12.5"


May 12th, 2018                 Dia: 11.6"


May 10th, 2018                 Dia: 12.1"


May 9th, 2018                 Dia: 12.0"


May 7th, 2018                 Dia: 11.8"


May 6th, 2018                 Dia: 11.7"


May 5th, 2018                 Dia: 11.6"


Porrima (Y Virginis)                 C14 with ASI290MM camera.

 

© All images copyright Damian Peach. No images used on this page may be used. amended, or distributed without the consent of the author.