Saturday, March 25, 2006

Jupiter Has a New Red Spot!

Looks like Jupiter has a new Red Spot (emphasis mine):




The Great Red Spot on Jupiter has been known for years. It is a storm at least 300 years old and is about twice the width of Earth. Now there are two. The new red spot is officially named “Oval BA” (labeled Red Jr. in the above image) and is about half the size of the Great Red Spot.

In 2000 three smaller spots collided and merged. Oval BA was white at that time, which is the same color as the spots that created it. The amateur astronomer who took these great images, Christopher Go, using an 11 inch telescope in the Philippines, gives this account: “It was still white in November 2005, it slowly turned brown in December 2005, and red a few weeks ago. Now it is the same color as the Great Red Spot!"

Two observations -- one astronomical and one economic.

Astronomical -- I wonder if we are seeing some astronomical history in the making? The Great Red Spot on Jupiter has always been one of Jupiter's most distinguishing characteristics. It's fantastic to think we might be witnessing the birth of a new storm on the planet. Maybe this will last another 300 years?

Economic -- It is interesting that the picture above was taken by an amateur astronomer. I started reading Glenn Reynolds Army of Davids yesterday on my way in to the Abdul Rahman rally. The book starts off with Reynolds' observations about how technology is allowing amateurs and small scale businesses to compete with professionals and large firms. I think it is so cool that an amateur astronomer would have the equipment necessary to observe and photograph this storm on Jupiter. Think about what the amateur astronomers of tomorrow will be able to do!

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