Mono Mars 19/4/14

[JB80]

I finally sorted my collimation out on the 150PL, the secondary was quite a bit out of place so I don't know how long I have been using the scope like that but it's fixed now which is a good thing.

Anyway I started with Jupiter last night but my motor focuser wasn't biting and I couldn't get a fine focus and the resulting Jupiter pics are not the best so I waited for Mars to make an appearance and set my sights on that. The focuser was still an issue so I spent a long time trying my best on a wibbly wobbly image hoping I could get close manually focusing and in the end it must of been alright because I have my best Mars so far.

Processed in AS!2 and then taken to photoshop and applied unsharp mask in small increments. Not sure if that's the best way and if anyone can point me to a better process that'd be nice.

Taken with a Skywatcher 150PL and DMK41.

This one just larger by 150%

This is the regular image....

edit:

[Steve Ward]

That's a lovely result Jarrod , it's a real buzz getting detail like that from such a tiny elusive target ... 

[JB80]

Thanks Steve, it is quite an amazing thing really.

I'm astounded by the images produced by amateurs these days.

[swag72]

That is really pretty cool Jarrod. I actually looked at the thing the other day - My, what an anti climax, don't think I'll bother again.

[JB80]

Thanks Sara, I have never had a great deal of luck visually either and it takes a x3 barlow to have it looking nice on screen with the 6" scope. Mars is definitely more photogenic than a visual target.

For me at least.

[Stu]

Thanks Sara, I have never had a great deal of luck visually either and it takes a x3 barlow to have it looking nice on screen with the 6" scope. Mars is definitely more photogenic than a visual target.

For me at least.

Can't say I agree chaps, whilst the images you guys produce on the forum are astounding, I still get some very rewarding views of Mars, even with a small refractor. Last night I quite easily saw the polar cap, the bright area over Hellas, Syrtis Major and the shading around the polar cap, in fact most of the major features shown in the image and all with a TV76 at x192. Views in the 150ED are better still, and I've yet to get the 12" on it but bet it will be great.

I know we all like different aspects to the hobby, but there are very good visual views to be had under the right circumstances.

Now, keep up the lovely images so I can verify what I've been seeing whilst squinting down my scope at that little orange pea ;-)

Cheers,

Stu

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stu]

With apologies to the OP, I hope it was still clear from my post that I think your image is excellent :-). It continues to amaze me what is possible with amateur kit in skilled hands these days

Stu

[JB80]

It's alright Stu, I understand what you are saying.

I guess though that's the thing, I have never had those type of views with any detail on Mars. Admittedly I haven't spent a lot of time on it and in Belgium seeing was always pants but now with Mars coming back around and being in Spain I should give it more of a chance.

I could of said the same for Jupiter too but recently I have had the best views ever of it and I think that says it all to be honest, if the seeing is bad it can really put a damper on planetary viewing.

[greglloyd]

Yeah, I have to agree that I also get superb views of Mars right now with a Skyliner 200p here in Co.Antrim. All features shown in the photos are visible to me visually with really good contrast. I thought Mars wouldn't show much given people referring to It's elusiveness but that's not the case with my scope and location. It's as interesting to look at as Jupiter in my opinion. Great photos by the way!

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[Alan]

That's very good detailed  shot Jarrod with a relatively small scope. Looks like you have definitely solved your collimation issues.  I've had some of my best Mars viewing recently with my C9.25 and it is a planet that improves the longer you look at it, while its high surface brightness allows you to bump up the magnification.  But having said that, as with all things astronomical, seeing is the all important factor.

[JB80]

Thanks Greg and Alan!

I'd love to have another look tonight as the daytime sky is the deepest blue I have seen for a long time which suggest the seeing may be great.

Unfortunately there are loads of clouds around, hopefully it may clear for later on.

[David Smith]

Not a planetary imager as I don't have the kit for it but that looks like a good Mars to me!

[Virgoman]

Lovely detailed shot Jarrod. A nice Mars!

                         best regards,

                                               Ralph