21 Jan
2003
21 Jan
'03
3:09 p.m.
I've been successful observing the Encke division on only one or two occcasions. The first time was way back in the summer of 1989 (as I recall) when Saturn occulted a 5th magnitude star in Sagittarius. (Remember, anyone?)I used my 10" Newt at 280x for some of the best planetary views I've ever had. The Encke division was difficult to hold, but become most obvious to me (then quite the neophyte) when the rings passed in front of the star. Afterwards, knowing what to look for, Encke was easy to spot during moments of excellent seeing.