I predict that the shadows of two Galilean satellites (#1 Io & #2 Europa) will briefly be simultaneously transiting Jupiter while #1 Io itself is in transit on 2008 DEC 24 at 17:29 CST (23:29 UT). #2 Europa will complete a transit a little earlier.

I’ve created two graphics related to the events. The first is a view from above Jupiter’s north pole. The second is the view from Earth. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html

Below is my complete timetable in CST.

13:37:03 #2 Partial Transit Begins
13:41:01 #2 Total Transit Begins
14:41:12 #2 Partial Shadow Transit Begins
14:45:01 #2 Total Shadow Transit Begins
16:27:14 #2 Total Transit Ends
16:31:11 #2 Partial Transit Ends
16:54:03 #1 Partial Transit Begins
16:57:37 #1 Total Transit Begins
17:26:40 #1 Partial Shadow Transit Begins
17:28:42 #1 Total Shadow Transit Begins
17:29:57 #2 Total Shadow Transit Ends
17:35:28 #2 Partial Shadow Transit Ends
19:10:46 #1 Total Transit Ends
19:14:20 #1 Partial Transit Ends
19:40:32 #1 Total Shadow Transit Ends
19:43:54 #1 Partial Shadow Transit Ends

Photos or descriptions of the events will be welcome additions to this thread. I would especially appreciate verification of the accuracy of my calculated timings.

__________________
Curt Renz - "Centaur"
For monthly astronomical calendar visit:
www.CurtRenz.com/astronomical

Very good. Unfortunately for me, I will not be able to see this as Jupiter will be too low/near sunset when it happens (I had great viewing a week ago).

Nick

Here is graphic from Stellarium:
(Full size can be seen at: http://www.nick.ukfsn.org/stuff/jupiter_transits.png )

Attached Images

jupiter_transits1.png (127.3 KB, 9 views)

Indeed, Jupiter will have set for you before the dual transit occurs on DEC 24. However, you may be able to view Jupiter telescopically in the daytime on DEC 28 while it is 21° east of the Sun, when the shadows of Io and Europa will again be simultaneously in transit between 12:24 UT and 12:54 UT. Take care to avoid looking at the Sun.

__________________
Curt Renz - "Centaur"
For monthly astronomical calendar visit:
www.CurtRenz.com/astronomical

oh wow! sunday afternoon! hope, again, the skies are clear. oh please.
it's only for half an hour!

thank you Mr Renz...what an Ace, you are!

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clear skies

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. CARL SAGAN

Mak: Pass the pepperoni please.
Fazor: "Hail, Bautainia! We pledge our hearts to thee! Science and woo, some babbling too, and astron-oh-meee!"
slang: And it made ash out of yew and tree.

This is from London:
We are missing the shadow transits of Io and Europa across Jupiter...

The skies are cloudy, sun is hazy...oh just gone 'behind' a cloud briefly.
Transluscent cloud cover....

__________________
clear skies

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. CARL SAGAN

Mak: Pass the pepperoni please.
Fazor: "Hail, Bautainia! We pledge our hearts to thee! Science and woo, some babbling too, and astron-oh-meee!"
slang: And it made ash out of yew and tree.

Sorry that Mother Nature foiled you today, Mahesh. However, you can try again in the daytime on JAN 04 while Jupiter is 15° east of the Sun, when the shadows of Io and Europa will again be simultaneously in transit between 14:18 UT and 15:33 UT. Again, take care to avoid looking at the Sun.

Meanwhile, for observers in western North America there will be an early evening opportunity on DEC 31 while Jupiter is 18° east of the Sun, when the shadows of Io and Europa will be simultaneously in transit between 17:21 PST and 18:14 PST.

__________________
Curt Renz - "Centaur"
For monthly astronomical calendar visit:
www.CurtRenz.com/astronomical

Oh thank you Mr Renz!

You are kind to update. I'll keep a look-out. and report you the other side of the year...

Hey Happy New Year!

__________________
clear skies

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. CARL SAGAN

Mak: Pass the pepperoni please.
Fazor: "Hail, Bautainia! We pledge our hearts to thee! Science and woo, some babbling too, and astron-oh-meee!"
slang: And it made ash out of yew and tree.