Please, Robert Redford, Ralph Nader, someone do something!

TRITON

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, May 22, 2001 Sky and Telescope

<>Triton Watch" Under Way

What's up with Triton? In 1997 Neptune's big moon was distinctly redder than when seen by Voyager 2 in 1989. This view of Triton's southern hemisphere is part of a 10-image sequence obtained during Voyager 2's approach. Courtesy U.S. Geological Survey and NASA. Click on image for larger view.

In the 12 years since Voyager 2's brief visit to Neptune, some curious changes have occurred on the planet's big moon, Triton. During the late 1990s astronomers found that the temperature of Triton's tenuous atmosphere had climbed a couple of degrees to a "balmy" 40°K, probably because the southern hemisphere is now enjoying its warmest summer in more than 350 years. This mild warming trend appears to be changing the character and distribution of bright frosts on its surface, making it darker in blue light and brighter in red light. To catch more of these changes as they occur, Joel W. Parker (Southwest Research Institute) and his colleagues have initiated a "Triton Watch" to study Neptune's large moon throughout at least the next two years.

Although professional astronomers will lead the Triton Watch effort, Parker is encouraging qualified amateurs to contribute observations as well. He notes that getting good measurements will be moderately challenging: Triton gets no brighter than 13.5 in magnitude, and it never strays more than about 17 arcseconds from Neptune. Even so, this should be well within the capability of CCD-equipped observers with 8-inch or larger telescopes — especially during the weeks surrounding Neptune's opposition on July 30th. For details, see the Triton Watch Web site.

— J. Kelly Beatty

-- Lars (larsguy@yahoo.com), May 25, 2001

Answers

We are aware of this crisis. A demonstration in Washington is scheduled. Send money.

-- (SierraClub@Sun.dance), May 25, 2001.