Saturn's New Red Spot: A Backyard Discovery!
In a breathtaking display of what can be achieved from our own backyards, an amateur astronomer has captured what could be a significant new feature on the ringed planet, Saturn: a prominent red spot.
This incredible image was taken on August 7, 2025, at 10:23 UTC, using a 16-inch Dobsonian telescope. The discovery highlights a distinct red spot located on Saturn's southern end, with south oriented upwards in the photograph. The clarity and detail visible are truly outstanding, a testament to the skill of the observer and the quality of the equipment used.
The Gear Behind the Discovery
The observations were made with a robust setup, demonstrating the capabilities of modern amateur astronomy:
- SCOPE: ORION XXG 16 DOB
- CAMERA: Player One Neptune 664C
- ACCESSORIES: ZWO ADC / 3x Televue Barlow
- FILTERS: SVBONY UV/IR CUT and IR PASS 685
- SEEING CONDITIONS: Above Average
The imaging session involved stacking 40 minutes of RGB data, acquired from 3-minute SER files, showcasing the dedication involved in capturing such celestial wonders.
This remarkable backyard observation, detailed further on AstroBin (), is being celebrated by the astronomical community. It's a powerful reminder that groundbreaking discoveries can be made by anyone with a passion for the stars and the right tools.
