Mars before midnight 30/4/16

[mikeDnight]

I noticed Mars very low in the east and thought I'd take a quick look before I called it a night. This is the first time I've been able to sketch it before midnight this apparition. The seeing was wobbly as you might expect, so patience was essential as the detail in the sketch wasn't immediately obvious, in fact it was anything but! Over time though, as the seeing moved in and out of focus, and as i critically checked and rechecked the focus of the scope repeatedly, the features began to reveal themselves. It is only a quick monochrome sketch but not bad for such a low angle. The scope was almost horizontal!

Mike 

[Davey-T]

Nice sketch Mike, it's still hiding in the trees here, still looks rather splendid though.

Dave

[t0nedude]

Good job Mike considering the low altitude of Mars at the time..and 3-4 Antoniadi is to be expected..

[Grotemobile]

It is very low down through the murk. @ least u could see it ,to do the sketch. Very good.