[BAA-ebulletin 00588] Saturn SEBZ Spot

[BAA electronic bulletins service]

The major storm in Saturn's northern hemisphere continues to be visible 
but light spots have also been observed at other latitudes during this 
apparition. One such latitude where spots have been intermittently 
observed is within the South Equatorial Belt as shown in images taken by 
Damian Peach and Trevor Barry during March and April. Although using 
large instruments (a C14 and  a 406 mm Newtonian respectively) these 
spots have not been prominent.

Recently on 2011 June 3, Martin Lewis imaged a light spot in the SEB at 
an approximate latitude of 28 degrees south (planetographic). Its system 
3 longitude was approximately 62 degrees. Although using a 222mm 
Newtonian, the spot was fairly obvious in this image. It may have also 
been visible in an image taken by Dave Tyler earlier that evening.

Although Saturn is becoming more difficult to observe, more observations 
are required to confirm if this spot is a new feature or identical to 
those fainter spots observed in March and April. These observations will 
be shortly available on the Saturn section web page:

http://www.britastro.org/saturn/

Mike Foulkes
BAA Saturn Section Director
saturn at britastro.org
2011 06 11