Mars 22nd Nov 2020

[markse68]

First decent seeing in ages and managed to get out early before Mars had reached its highest elevation (is there a name for that?) Have had a good long look and hope for more if the clouds clear later- they’ve been there all evening but luckily missing Mars most of the time till now.

There was a bright patch on the left hand limb a little below the spc. SkySafari says it might be Argyre Planitum. There was a subtly lighter patch below Mare Sirenum that might be Daedalia Planum. Should have been Valles Marineris on the left hand limb but I couldn’t make out any detail- that’s where the dust storm is I think so maybe obscured by that though no obvious dust storm either. I searched but no sign of Olympus Mons. Disk not round anymore- terminator starting to creep in from the right limb

Dob view. CZJ 16mm ortho +Tal 2x barlow (200x)

Mark

 

Edited November 23, 2020 by markse68
wrong fl ep

[JamesF]

19 minutes ago, markse68 said:

Mars had reached its highest elevation (is there a name for that?)

Zenith, I believe.

And a good sketch.  Well done.

James

[JeremyS]

Nice observation @markse68! 👍
The highest elevation is usually called culmination. 

[markse68]

Thanks James and Jeremy. It's not the best seeing its ever been but tonight I've had the best view of Mars for what seems like ages- helps that the wind is down too which is really essential with a drainpipe dob. I have a feeling the pup might be on the cards a bit later on- Sirius looks quite well behaved already and ts still low 🤞

Mark