Ganymede and Callisto Close Approach Animation

[Mike Salway]

Hi all

This animation has been a long time coming. Back on the 5th July 2009, Ganymede and Callisto had a close approach - no occultation unfortunately, but it was still great to see them so close together.

Ganymede, at 5,200km diameter (1.7 arcseconds) and Callisto at 4,800 km diameter (1.6 arcseconds) are both over 635 million km away. The seeing was only just above average, but both moons show consistent albedo features throughout many frames of the animation.

The animation covers just over 2 hours of elapsed time. Click the image to view the animation:



More information here:
Ganymede and Callisto Close Approach Animation

Thanks for looking.

[lindyannajones]

I thought of your photo of the ISS and the Big Dipper as I gazed into the sky tonight. As I continued to gaze into the sky, I was surprised to see Pleides. I know it's late in the evening and fall is approaching but I was still surprised. Can Orion be far behind? Mike, this video is quite amazing. I think this photography community is very blessed to have your work and your images available for use to view. For the hours of work it took to bring this post here tonight, I thank you.

[Mike Salway]

Hi Lindyanna,
Many thanks for your feedback, it's much appreciated.

You're right about Orion - it's rising at about midnight now.