You too can see Jupiter’s new scar

You don't need access to the Hubble telescope to see amazing things in the sky. David Lerner of Mt. Laurel took these images of the newly bruised Jupiter using a 4-inch diameter telescope and a $50 webcam. The spot near the South Pole is the size of the Pacific Ocean and thought to be a scar left by a comet or asteroid impact.

This picture was taken last night at 11:47 p.m., he said, but timing is crucial for those wanting a peek. The spot is rotating in and out of view with Jupiter's 10-hour days. Future viewing opportunities can be found on Lerner's website, www.seeingafterdark.com/.

Lerner, a middle school teacher and a member of the Willingboro Astronomical Society, said word travelled fast of the impact, which was discovered by an Australian amateur on Sunday. Lerner heard about it later that day. "I've been keeping close track of this," he said.

The webcam allowed him to take 1,600 images, he said, and he chose the 1,200 best, stacking them to create the image shown. His other photos can be seen on www.seeingafterdark.com/.