Mars - 15th September - 05:55

[dweller25]

Totally unplanned observation and rushed due to ever increasing cloud cover, so no scope cool down time, image was still reasonably good but i ran out of time before the views became pin sharp. In the perfectly clear East sky !!! a brilliant Venus and the Moon were shining bright.
 

 

[mikeDnight]

Nice observation David. I've struggled to use high powers on Mars so far this year as the seeing has been a bit wobbly at the times I've been able to observe. 274X would give a nice image scale so I'm a bit envious. I've also felt that the darker features have been a bit washed out so far, but I've only been able to observe while its been low. 

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of your sketches. 

Clear skies, Mike.☺

[dweller25]

Hi Mike, it was all a bit rushed but I wanted to get my first view this season of Mars, I will use binoviewers at x217 next time and wait until the scope is cooled.

Still it was a way better view than Jupiter 🙂

Edited September 15, 2020 by dweller25

[BRADLEY 1953]

Hi David, nice observation, 274x mag produces a sizeable disc, also a bonus with a 100mm aperture. Like Mike, I have rarely benefitted from powers above 200x, and sometimes restricted to only 99x.

[dweller25]

7 hours ago, BRADLEY 1953 said:

Hi David, nice observation, 274x mag produces a sizeable disc, also a bonus with a 100mm aperture. Like Mike, I have rarely benefitted from powers above 200x, and sometimes restricted to only 99x.

Yes, I will be bringing magnification down on Mars next time to either x181 or x217 which is more realistic, x274 gave nice image scale but the lower magnifications show more contrast and a much more pleasing image 👍

Edited September 16, 2020 by dweller25