Recent Observations of Jupiter

Abstract

OBSERVATIONS of Jupiter have been conducted under great difficulties during the past opposition in consequence of the low altitude of the planet. His elevation, even at meridian passage, has only been about 16°, as observed in this country, so that the study of his surface markings has been much interrupted by the bad definition which usually affects objects not far removed from the haze and vapours on the horizon. It is, however, important that planetary features, especially those which exhibit changes of form and motion, should be watched as persistently as circumstances allow, and with this purpose in view Jupiter has been submitted to telescopic scrutiny whenever the atmosphere offered facilities for such work during the past summer and autumn. Few opportunities occurred, however, during the latter season owing to the great prevalence of clouds, and on the several nights sufficiently clear for the purpose, the atmosphere was unsteady and the definition indifferent; thus the more delicate lineaments of the planet's surface could be rarely observed with satisfactory distinctness.