Kitt Peak National Observatory

Kitt Peak National Observatory

At the 4-meter Mayall telescope of Kitt Peak, near Tuscon, Ariz., scientists will use infrared spectroscopic observations to study how the atmosphere of Jupiter changes as the comet impacts. Because of the perturbation of Jupiter's atmosphere, otherwise rare and previously undetected molecules will help scientists understand physical processes that occur during the impact. The 2.1-meter telescope on Kitt Peak will be used by Planetary Science Institute and Kitt Peak astronomers to study the size distribution of Shoemaker-Levy 9 fragments. By observing flash reflections from sunlit and eclipsed satellites, the observers hope to determine how the history of the comet led to its current configuration of many small pieces.

Public Affairs contact:
Emma Hardesty
(602) 325-9204
or
Karie Meyers
(602) 325-9202 voice; 9360 fax.

Kitt Peak National Observing Plans

• Kitt Peak National Proposals.

Images

• Kitt Pre-Impact Images of Comet Shoemaker-Levy (March 28, 1993).
• Kitt Image of Comet Shoemaker-Levy (March 28, 1993).
• Kitt Image of Comet Shoemaker-Levy (March 30, 1993).
• Kitt Image of Comet Shoemaker-Levy.
• Kitt Image of Comet Shoemaker-Levy (July - December, 1993).
• Kitt Image of Comet Shoemaker-Levy (January 21, 1994).
• Kitt Image of Comet Shoemaker-Levy (July 9, 1994).
• Kitt Image Attempt of Fragment B Impact (July 17, 1994).
• Kitt Image of Fragment ??? Impact (July 19, 1994).
• Kitt Images of Fragment DGHQRS Impact (July 22, 1994).
• Kitt Image of Fragment DGHQRS Impacts (July 22, 1994).
• Kitt Images of Fragment DGHQRS Impacts (July 22, 1994).

Comet Shoemaker-Levy Home Page