Jupiter, southern white ovals

by Rich Neuschaefer

Last Saturday we had very good seeing at Pacheco state park about 70 miles south of San Jose, CA.

This was the first time I've noticed small white spots near Jupiter's southern polar region. I'm trying to remember if they were a little before the GRS or a little after the GRS. They were at least half way between the lower edge of the SEB and the south polar limb of Jupiter. Maybe a little closer to the pole. Sorry, I should have made notes or a sketch.

There were also larger white spots in the dark zone south of the SEB and trailing the GRS (but below the GRS). There were five or more white spots trailing the GRS. The level of detail was amazing.

I was using about 350x most of the time and about 550x when Jupiter was close to crossing the meridian.

Technical data

Equipment	AP 180mm f/9 EDT APO refractor Zeiss binoviewer Zeiss eyepieces 16mm and 10mm AP binoviewer barlow