[AZ-Observing] Re: Encke minima/gap, was Re: Observing the weekend of Jan 2-5, 2003

  • From: "Matt Luttinen" <mluttinen@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 14:19:52 -0700

Jack,

Clear this up for me, then: Am I right to say that the "Encke minima" is
the gap unresolved? Or is it something else altogether? If I am right, 
then I am pretty sure I have seen the "minima." If not, I may have
fooled
myself again . . .

Matt

-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jack Jones
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2002 1:43 PM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Encke minima/gap, was Re: Observing the
weekend of Jan 2-5, 2003


The Encke what? The Encke minimum or the Encke Gap? Many mistake the two
and think they have seen the gap when in fact they haven't, just the
contrast effect in the A ring or a transitory seeing effect at the outer
edge. A minimum 2-3" is needed to see the Cassini so I don't think a 3"
will ever see the Encke Gap no matter how steady the seeing. You need a
6" at the very least to even hope, assuming every thing else is perfect,
including the scope. The gap also varies in width so there's another
variable. The rings are wide open, so now's the time to do it.

Jack

>
> I have seen the Encke minima twice in my Synta 120 mm
> f8.3 refractor. The first time was about a year ago from
cut>
> How small a scope can resolve the Encke? I imagine a 3" APO/ED
> could do it on a great night in the hands of a skilled observer . . .
>
> Matt


--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and
please 
send personal replies to the author, not the list.


--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please 
send personal replies to the author, not the list.

Other related posts:

  1. Home
  2. az-observing
  3. Archive
  4. 12-2002