SAAO Animation of Fragment A Impact (saao.mpg)
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In K-band (2.2 micron) infrared images obtained with the PtSi camera
mounted on the SAAO 0.75 m telescope at Sutherland, a bright fireball was
observed by Dr. Kaz Sekiguchi of SAAO. The fireball appeared at the
predicted location on the SE limb of Jupiter. The images were taken at 30
second intervals. The earliest faint signs of the fireball appear at about
20:17-20:18 UT, and at peak brightness it was comparable in brightness to
Io. After 10 minutes, the fireball image appears to change shape, becoming
elongated along the limb, presumably as the heated plume settles back. The
last traces along the limb are visible at least as late as 20:38 UT. The
rise in brightness is much faster than the decline. 

The images are 30 sec exposures, at intervals of 1 minute, starting at
2017 UT, ending at 2032 UT. South is up and west is to the left. The
bright moon is Io, and the Great Red Spot is clearly visible on the
surface of Jupiter. The impact produced a flare which rapidly increased in
brightness and decayed slowly. This flare is probably from a plume of
material which becomes visible above the limb of Jupiter. Rotation
probably plays little part in the observed event. 

Images: Dr. Kaz Sekiguchi, SAAO
Animation: Charles Henrich 

