Jupiter Goes Moonless

Anyone who watches Jupiter through a telescope or binoculars is familiar with the "line dance" performed by its four big, Galilean moons. Because they circle the planet relatively quickly, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto put on a fascinating, ever-changing interplay. Some nights you'll see all four of them lined up to one side of the planet, and the next night they'll be lined up on both sides. At any given moment, one might be crossing Jupiter's face, tucked behind it, or out of view in eclipse by the planet's shadow.

The night of May 21-22 offers a rare treat for skywatchers in Europe, Africa, and on the east coast of the Americas. For about 18 minutes, Jupiter will look as if all four moons have disappeared! In reality, a good sharp look should show Europa and especially its shadow crossing the planet's disk. Ganymede is hidden behind the disk, and both Io and Callisto are eclipsed in Jupiter's shadow to the planet's west.

From 3:50 to 4:08 UT on May 22, 2008, all four of Jupiter's Galilean satellites do a rare disappearing act.

Sky & Telescope

The moonless event begins at 3:50 Universal Time on the 22nd, with three moons already out of view as Io slips into eclipse. At 4:08 UT, Ganymede emerges into view along Jupiter's southwestern limb.

On the East Coast, the show begins at 11:50 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 21st, but you have to be very near the Atlantic Ocean for Jupiter to have cleared the eastern horizon by showtime. Skywatchers in Boston and Miami have a chance to see it, but those of you farther west, in Pittsburgh and Atlanta, for example, miss out.

But take heart! These "Jupiter without satellite" events happen about 20 times per century, according to astronomical calculator Jean Meeus, and another one occurs next year: on September 3, 2009. At that time Jupiter will be high up in the sky for the Americas — and the moons' disappearance will last nearly 2 hours!

To find out when specific Galilean satellites are playing hide-and-seek at other times, consult our downloadable listing for 2008 (a 148-kilobyte PDF file). Or check out our entertaining Jupiter's moons viewer, which allows you to customize the time, date, and viewing aspect (free, but registration required).