The Jupiter Effect

[PPI Brian]

Amateur astronomers working with professional astronomers have spotted two fireballs lighting up Jupiter's atmosphere this summer, marking the first time Earth-based telescopes have captured relatively small objects burning up in the atmosphere of the giant planet. The two fireballs ? which produced bright freckles on Jupiter that were visible through backyard telescopes ? occurred on June 3, 2010, and August 20, 2010.

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010-293