Mars - going but not gone -12 Sept

[Cosmic Geoff]

Last night I got outside early to grab a chance to observe 3 major planets: Jupiter - could make out little in the twilight with the 127mm Mak.  Saturn - seeing still poor - I imaged it but the result is not worth showing.

Mars later on was better - its apparent size has shrunk, but this was the first time this year I have had a result with Syrtis Major facing the Earth. Syrtis Major, the bright area of Hellas and the south polar cap can all be made out in the image.  Altitude of Mars was about 11deg - note that the southerly declination is decreasing as it moves North - quite significant if it is roof skimming as here.

Imaged with C8 SE, ASI120MC, ADC, processed in Registax6.

[Pete Presland]

Very nicely captured Geoff, not been an easy time with Mars this summer.

[orion25]

Great image, Geoff. Mars reaches perihelion on 16 September at 12:45 UTC!

Reggie