Mars - 2nd January 2012

[DarkerSky]

Got my first telescopic look at Mars this apparition. Very difficult seeing. Mostly IV.

12" x192

Red filter

Disc Size: 9.1"

Phase: 92%

01-25UT to 01-55UT

CM: 103 degrees approx

North Polar Cap was the most obvious feature. Quite bright. Moments of better seeing revealed a nice dark collar around the NPC. Other detail was difficult to come by, but I can say with conviction that I got to see some shading towards the north terminator. On looking at a Mars map afterwards I can see this was Mare Acidalium exiting the disc.

The main area of the disc (Tharsis Region) was mostly devoid of features. Just a pale orange glow. I did make out some subtle markings in the southern part of Tharsis, but very difficult to pin down with the seeing.