BARBADOS MISSION REPORT 2007.

 MAY 22nd - JUNE 8th, 2007.

Above Left: Myself with C14 at sunset ready to go. Above Right: Set-up facing East showing the house which provided an essential wind break from the ever present easterly trade winds. Note tarp nearby ready to the right  for unexpected showers (which occurred on more than on occasion!)

During May-June 2007 I returned to Barbados for the third time to again conduct a program of High Resolution imaging of the Planets. Specific goals this time were as before an extensive program of Jupiter imaging, which from back home had become impossible to study at high resolution due to its far southerly declination. Indeed, even from Barbados the altitude had dropped to "only" 55deg at the meridian. Additional aims were also an extensive Venus imaging and Lunar program. Mars was also well placed before sunrise at about 5 arc seconds in diameter, as well as a very favourable opposition of the asteroid Vesta which i hoped to obtain images of.

As with previous missions, this one was again a tremendous success. Though the house itself was small it provided a good and well sheltered site the area itself was far from ideal. Dogs next door and up and down the street barking all night long, and a shooting occurring just up the road (I heard it happen and saw the shooter fleeing!) and neighbours watching this strange man outside, it certainly was *far* from relaxing! Weather was also poor on some nights this time around with a few nights of very strong winds (50km/hr) and a tropical wave affecting the last days (which provided some impressive night time thunderstorms!) However, despite this, I obtained my best ever views and image of Jupiter and this made up for the more trying aspects of the trip!

Seeing was superbly stable on several nights, even though Jupiter was never near the zenith again showing how good the seeing can be from the island. The Nearby secluded beach provided some welcome relaxation from the manic night time activities.

Overall it was a highly successful trip despite some down points. The conditions this time were the hardest i've worked under just from the constant noise of dogs barking and short bout of poorer weather. Much of the work obtained is presented below, and the lunar work will be forthcoming in 2008.

I hope you enjoy viewing the imagery, as this time around it took the patience of a saint to stay sane while taking them most nights!

Damian Peach, Dec 2007.

 


JUPITER IMAGERY.


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Jupiter full rotation movie on May 26th, 2007.


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Jupiter Unravelled - May 25-27th, 2007.


Jupiter from above and below - May 25-27th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 23rd, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 24th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 25th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 26th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 27th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 28th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 29th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 30th, 2007.


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Jupiter, May 31st, 2007.


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Jupiter, June 1st, 2007.


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Jupiter, June 5th, 2007.


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Jupiter, June 6th, 2007.


SATURN IMAGERY.


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Saturn, May 25th, 2007.


MARS IMAGERY.


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Mars on June 6th, 2007. Dia=5.86"


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Mars on June 5th, 2007. Dia=5.84"


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Mars on June 4th, 2007. Dia=5.82"


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Mars on June 3rd, 2007. Dia=5.81"


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Mars on June 1st, 2007. Dia=5.77"


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Mars on May 31st, 2007. Dia=5.75"


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Mars on May 29th, 2007. Dia=5.72"


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Mars on May 28th, 2007. Diam=5.70"


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Mars on May 27th, 2007. Diam=5.69"


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Mars on May 26th, 2007. Diam=5.67"


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Mars on May 25th, 2007. Diam=5.66"


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Mars on May 24th, 2007. Diam=5.64"


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Mars on May 23rd, 2007. Diam=5.62"


VENUS IMAGERY.


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Venus on May 23rd, 2007.


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Venus on May 24th, 2007.


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Venus on May 26th, 2007.


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Venus on May 29th, 2007.


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Venus on May 30th, 2007.


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Venus on May 31st, 2007.


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Venus on June 1st, 2007.


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Venus on June 2nd, 2007.


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Venus on June 3rd, 2007.


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Venus on June 4th, 2007.


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Venus on June 5th, 2007.


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Venus on June 6th, 2007.


MERCURY, URANUS & VESTA IMAGERY.


Mercury, May 27th, 2007.


Uranus, May 27th, 2007.


Asteroid Vesta, June 1st, 2007.


 

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