Jupiter is well known for acting as a cosmic vacuum cleaner, pulling in comets and asteroids. This has been particularly documented since the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts in 1994. It is estimated that Jupiter receives an impact annually on average, but most go completely unnoticed. Fortunately, two astronomers were looking at the planet on March 17 and, through their instruments, managed to record a new impact.
The Gas Giant's Role
Let's start with some basic details about Jupiter's size. We all know it is the largest planet in the Solar System (I apologize for the obviousness), but it is worth remembering that its volume equals about 1,300 Earths, and its mass represents a little more than 300 times that of our planet. In short, the gas giant named after the Roman god of the sky and thunder is definitely enormous, and it attracts the attention of other visitors, such as comets and asteroids. The Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact was historic not only because it was spectacular, but also because of everything learned from that event. Many astronomers around the globe keep an eye on Jupiter, studying multiple factors and, why not, hoping to see something strange. On March 17, they saw it.
The Observers
Austria and Ireland. YouTube and Reddit. Gerrit Kernbauer and John McKeon are the two names the web has associated with this new impact on Jupiter. A very positive aspect to highlight is that it was possible to see it with relatively accessible equipment. Kernbauer explains in the description of his video that he used a Skywatcher Newton 200/1000 telescope (650-700 euros), while in McKeon's case it was an 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain (2,700 dollars on average). McKeon added that his main objective was to create a time-lapse of Jupiter, while for Kernbauer it was just another observing session of the giant.
What Was It?
Now, the big question: Comet? Asteroid? Was it even an impact? The odds seem to be on the side of asteroids, but Jupiter has shown some strange "flashes" in the past. We have doubts, however, soon we will know more. NASA's Juno mission will arrive at Jupiter on July 4. We must stay tuned.
