Mars - 2nd January 2017

[dweller25]

Just had a look at Mars at twilight and was amazed to see quite a steady image at x380 and a definite dark patch across the middle of the Martian disk - did not expect that as Mars is so far past opposition

[John]

My scope is out - must take a look

5.8 arc seconds - about the same as Uranus.

[John]

Yes indeed, large dark feature central of the disk - Mare Erythraeum perhaps ?

Seems to be looking quite crisp even at 398x !

[dweller25]

Brilliant - thanks for the confirmation John, yes I think it's Mare Erythraeum too

[chiltonstar]

Yes, nice dark feature plus a hint of a polar cap, and an interesting blue companion nearby! It definitely makes the colour of each more intense when you can get them both in the field of a low power EP together.

Chris

[mikeDnight]

4 hours ago, dweller25 said:

Brilliant - thanks for the confirmation John, yes I think it's Mare Erythraeum too

Hi Dave,

If you know the exact time of observation I could work out the LCM. I observed Mars at 5pm and the central meridian showed Solis Lacus to roughly central on the disc.

Mike 

[dweller25]

Hello Mike - observation was 16:15 to 16:30

[Stu]

Both were visible, and central depending upon the time. Mare Erythraeum looks the darker of the two?

[dweller25]

Thanks Stu - what software are you using ?

[John]

With the disk as small as it currently is and the seeing at the relatively low altitude being to some extent compromised (at least where I observe) I think my money would be on Mare Erythraeum because it's the stronger feature.