BRADLEY 1953

CRACKING IMAGE !

Very good observation and sketch.

Hi Mike, yet another fine sketch. I observed Mars with 130mm APO from 1.30am - 2.30am, much later than you. Unfortunately, the seeing deteriorated very early on and did not allow a sketch on this occasion.

A CRACKING IMAGE, RAZOR SHARP.

Excellent image of the Eye of Mars, well done.

GREAT SKETCH MIKE, IT REMINDS ME OF RENDITIONS SUBMITTED BY FAMOUS OBSERVERS OF THE RECENT PAST, SUCH AS ANTONIADI, ( with a 830mm refractor) EVEN MORE WORTHY CONSIDERING THE SIZE OF YOUR SCOPE. CLEAR SKIES. CHRIS.

A largely cloudy night with small breaks now and then, which provided a welcome opportunity to view a marvellous moonscape through my 130mm APO. Mars was also visible, albeit briefly, in the gaps and this allowed time for a quick sketch. In fact, the seeing was surprisingly good, although the northern hemisphere appeared rather bland and largely devoid of any features. Nevertheless a good night to see the red planet.

A really lovely image. Well done.

Hi Robertl, a really good representation of what was on view. Considering the relatively favourable declination of Mars at present, the seeing lately, at least in these parts, has been particularly disappointing!

Nice one baggywrinkle.

Yes I agree, an excellent result. I was observing Mars at the same time through my 130mm APO, and although the seeing was pretty poor, your sketch equates to more or less exactly what I could see.

Great improvisation using a beer can, and you have captured the main features very accurately, did the contents of the can help! Well done. Cheers Chris.

Absolutely superb image!

Hi there globular, thanks for your comments. If the atmosphere is steady you could easily use 300x on Mars with an 8 inch scope, however, good seeing is essential for planetary observation. The lower magnification views will always produce a sharper image, but Mars is still relatively small compared to the gas giants, and as you say can seem too bright. Try using a orange/red filter this will dim the image and make dark features a bit easier to see. However, patience as they say is a virtue, and you may have to observe for several hours and get your eye in just to get a few glimpses of the often subtle surface features. Mars is generally not an easy planet to observe, but well worth the effort, especially during this favourable apparition for northern latitudes. Good luck. Chris.

SIMPLY FANTASTIC !

A STUNNING IMAGE CRAIG, WELL DONE.

CRACKING IMAGE OF MARS. WELL DONE.

Welcome to SGL, and a very nice image of Mars to begin with.

At long last a clear night in these parts, and a chance to view the red planet in all it's glory. Transparency was good after all the heavy rain, and seeing reasonable. I managed to observe for nearly 2 hours with the 155mm f9 APO, until Mars was eventually obscured by an inconsiderate holly bush. Fortunately, despite the attentions of my cat, I was able to complete a rough " impressionistic sketch" during the pre dawn hours. Hopefully, weather and dust permitting, more will follow in due course. Take every advantage of this very favourable apparition. Cheers Chris.

Once again Mike excellent and detailed sketches. I am still awaiting a clear night in these parts. Chris.

Lovely sketch, well done.

Very nice image with clearly identifiable features.

Excellent image, look forward to seeing more in due course.

Hi Paul, it looks a nice scope and good value for the money. Cheers Chris.

Superb quality as ever.