RINGS OF JUPITER

This sequence of pre-impact images was taken with the IRTF 
facility infrared camera, NSFCAM, on May 18 1994. A 2.26 micron 
methane filter was used to suppress glare from the planet and 
enhance detection of the rings and faint inner satellites. The 
six images cover a period of two hours, during which rotation 
of the planet and two satellites is seen. Time increases from 
upper-left to lower-right in normal reading fashion. The 40 km 
diameter satellite Metis is clearly observed skirting the 
immediate edge of the ring. Metis first appears in the second 
image, following transit across the face of the planet. The 
brighter satellite, Amalthea, first appears in the third image 
before transiting across the planet.

IRTF Staff (rayner@galileo.ifa.hawaii.edu)