THE BIG THREE

However, typically the ecliptic latitude will not be 0°, which is the ecliptic latitude of the Sun. This means the moon shadows tend to appear either above or below their respective moons. In addition, Jupiter and the Sun only maintain their 180° opposition position for a short period of time. Catch a moon and its shadow passing across Jupiter’s face on the day before or after opposition and it’s quite evident that the alignment isn’t perfect.

There are other effects too. Jupiter itself casts a large shadow behind it. Obviously this is hidden by the darkness of