Mars through a 6"

[skywalker]

Will I be able to see any surface details or polars caps when looking at Mars through my 6" scope? Its one planet thats always alluded my somehow. The last time I caught it the view was very disappointing and it was tiny!! :s

[dweller25]

Yes you will Martian details in a 6" scope.

Is it a newtonian ?? if so it will need to be well collimated.

The scope must also be well cooled down.

Mars is small so you will need a magnification of x200 to x300.

At the moment the ice cap is visible and some of the larger surface features can be glimpsed but Mars is still a long way from us so is difficult to observe - have a go though as the more you observe the more you tune your brain to the subtle details.

[Moonshane]

I agree with David. I have easily seen polar caps and darker features through a 120mm refractor and a 6" newt.

as always the size of the planet, the seeing conditions and scope performance will vary the view.

[skywalker]

Thanks.

I have a Skywatcher 150, Newtonian. Never had it collimated though :s

When is Mars next closest to us?

[Stephen]

Also to consider is Mars is still pretty far away, I think it gets closest Aug next year? The size difference should be noticeable (and as such the detail level that your kit can get)

[skywalker]

Many thanks Kh3ldar

[dweller25]

Mars is closest March 3rd 2012.

It can be seen now in the East just before sunrise - but it is VERY small - I would wait until after Xmas......

Collimation is no big deal but it must be done for the best planetary views.

[Stephen]

Mars is closest March 3rd 2012.

It can be seen now in the East just before sunrise - but it is VERY small - I would wait until after Xmas......

Collimation is no big deal but it must be done for the best planetary views.

Thanks for the correction, I've just plumbed the dates into 12string site with my kit - wow that's a big difference from current