Astronomers watch as Jupiter slammed by space debris

by Stevie Smith - Jun 4 2010, 09:49

Considering the size of Jupiter and its vast pockmarked surface, it’s perhaps unsurprising to learn that the solar system’s gas giant is a big target that’s frequently struck by hurtling space detritus.

However, what is surprising is for astronomers here on Earth to actually catch a glimpse of such impacts as they happen. Yet that’s exactly what Australian amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley saw recently while gazing upon our distant neighbour.

According to Mr. Wesley, he saw a blazing fireball plume up from near the planet’s equator as the inbound object impacted, burning brightly for between one and two seconds.

Mr. Wesley, a computer programmer, has a good standing within the astronomy community after being the first to notice the “Great Black Spot” that appeared on Jupiter following a massive impact in July of 2009.

The Press Association reports that Mr. Wesley duly alerted other amateur and professional astronomers to the event, which was later confirmed by respected amateur stargazer Christopher Go, who had witnessed it from the Philippines.

Adding another layer of wow factor to the story, Mr. Go was fortunate enough to catch the impact on video, a clip of which you can see by clicking below.

While the size and form of the object caught slamming into Jupiter is yet to be determined, NASA has said the lack of obvious surface scarring perhaps indicates a meteor strike as opposed to a more substantial asteroid or comet collision.

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