‘10-hour spin on Saturday’: With 12TB, and a ₹15 lakh telescope, India aims to map Jupiter in 1 night
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Rare Alignment
On December 7, Jupiter reaches “opposition,” aligning perfectly with Earth and the Sun, offering a unique opportunity to capture its entire surface in high resolution.
Bold Mission
A group of astrophotographers aims to image Jupiter’s entire rotation and its Galilean moons in one night, pushing the boundaries of celestial imaging.
Celestial Canvas
The project, called ‘Jove All,’ plans to create a high-resolution map of Jupiter and time-lapse movies of its moons, compressing the planet’s dynamic nature into stunning visuals.
Dynamic Planet
Jupiter, known for its raging storms and cyclones, is the most active planet in the solar system. The team hopes to document new features forming during the observation.
Data Overload
Over 12TB of data will be captured during the night, requiring precision, coordination, and flawless equipment performance to complete the task within 48 hours.
Cutting-Edge
A ₹15-lakh Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and advanced imaging techniques will be employed, showcasing the power of modern astrophotography tools.
Collaborative Effort
The team will collaborate with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) in Nainital, using its facilities for optimal results.
Challenging Skies
The polluted skies of NCR were bypassed for the clear conditions of Nainital, ensuring the success of this ambitious celestial endeavor.
Cosmic Discovery
Beyond mapping Jupiter, the mission carries the hope of capturing rare phenomena like storms or cyclones, adding an element of potential discovery.