Mars and Saturn 26/3

[kerrylewis]

I got up around 4.30 and got everything set just in time for a curtain of cloud to sweep across and spoil the show. However, I'm glad that I was patient and waited as it cleared away to the north leaving Mars and Saturn low in the south, The seeing was not good but Mars showed a bright polar cap and some dark features which came and went. 

Saturn gave me my best view this year, which is not saying much at all. It is now beginning to clear the obstacles on the other side of the street and showed some detail. I tried the contrast booster filter which helped show some indication of bands on the planet. Its shadow on the rings was visible, helping the 3D effect but the Cassini division was only intermittently there. Still worth getting up for though. 

[mikeDnight]

38 minutes ago, kerrylewis said:

I got up around 4.30 and got everything set just in time for a curtain of cloud to sweep across and spoil the show. However, I'm glad that I was patient and waited as it cleared away to the north leaving Mars and Saturn low in the south, The seeing was not good but Mars showed a bright polar cap and some dark features which came and went. 

Saturn gave me my best view this year, which is not saying much at all. It is now beginning to clear the obstacles on the other side of the street and showed some detail. I tried the contrast booster filter which helped show some indication of bands on the planet. Its shadow on the rings was visible, helping the 3D effect but the Cassini division was only intermittently there. Still worth getting up for though. 

He who dares wins!

I had a similar experience yesterday. I went out at 4am specifically to observe Mars but low lying, fast moving cloud hindered the view. With a little perseverance though, my efforts were rewarded with a cracking view of Mars. I was able to make a sketch of the albedo features but can't post it at the moment, as either my new tablet or SGL won't allow it. I click on attach images but nothing happens. I hate technology!

Anyhow, at first I thought I was seeing a bright polar cap in the south, but as the northern hemisphere is toward us, that couldn't be so. After completing my sketch I was better able to determine the exact features on show on the morning of the 25th March. What looked like a polar cap in the south was in actual fact cloud or mist in the impact basin Argyre. It was the brightest feature on the disc yesterday morning. If I can work out why I can't attach images and resolve the problem, I'm sure you'd be able to relate the detail to what you saw.

Mike ?

[laudropb]

Saturn is always well getting up for. Still not had a decent view this year but will keep trying.

[todd8137]

Always the case but I'll wait till,Saturn appears in the evening 

pat

[Knighty2112]

Hi Kerrylewis. Patience won out in the end then. Just a question; what make contrast booster filter are you using? Tend to use a blue filter to tease out some details on Jupiter and stuff, but just curious which filter you use.  

[kerrylewis]

21 minutes ago, Knighty2112 said:

Hi Kerrylewis. Patience won out in the end then. Just a question; what make contrast booster filter are you using? Tend to use a blue filter to tease out some details on Jupiter and stuff, but just curious which filter you use.  

Hello. It is a Baader one that I actually bought from a forum member in the Classifieds. I often give a go on the planets - sometimes it helps, sometimes not. 

[Knighty2112]

1 hour ago, kerrylewis said:

Hello. It is a Baader one that I actually bought from a forum member in the Classifieds. I often give a go on the planets - sometimes it helps, sometimes not. 

Thanks Kerry. Cheers!