Researchers at the Palomar Observatory, using the 200-inch Hale telescope, were able to capture Titan, the famous moon of Saturn, as it transited in front of the binary star system NV0435215+200905 (what a name).
The data was actually taken back in 2001, but now a video of the event has popped up on YouTube and it is definitely worth a look. The binary system is clearly resolved as Titan moves into the frame from the right.
What appears as blurriness in the image is actually light being refracted by Titan's atmosphere. While insignificant to most onlookers, scientists were able to, for the first time, detect the actual jet streams in the atmosphere. I am still amazed at our ability to observe such phenomena from objects so small and distant. Anyway, enjoy the video of the week.
Video Credit: Palomar Observatory
Comments
Awesome… Awesome… Awesome…
Movies of astronomical action like this have such amazing potential for public outreach. It’s almost like our science programs need to take a marketing 101 class
Not to say that trendiness should replace the necessary science, which tends to not be that sexy, but examples like this show that the two can coexist!
Thanks for posting it John.
amazing, thanks for the post !!!