Mars - 23 March 2012

[DarkerSky]

Major haze-out tonight, but got a brilliant Mars in my 8.5" scope at 220x with neodymium filter.

22.45UT - 23.30UT

CM @ 55 degrees

Seeing: AII sometimes AIII

Mare Acidalium looking fantastic with some nice detail as it curved up near the NPC. NPC again had the dark stripe within its curved border. Interestingly, got a really good view of the Tempe / Nerigos region. These are a first for me as I have never made out markings down there before, even with my 16" !!

I think it just goes to show what a difference the seeing makes...and I think the haze actually helped tone down the martian brightness, which can be a bit overwhelming at times.

The other major transient feature of note was the huge area of lighter material hanging over on the morning limb near Tharsis. Not sure if cloud or frost, but wonderful to see.

[dweller25]

Oops - missed this Seb - it's a excellent observation and drawing, those Astro System scopes are great.

[DarkerSky]

Yeah, it sure is a workhorse. Nearly 22 years and still going strong!