More Mars

[RobertI]

Another nice session tonight, with wonderful transparency but slightly wobbly seeing. Despite this I managed some nice views of Mars. Got out the C8 and the 102ED - while the C8 was acclimatising I had already spent some time observing Mars with the 102ED and made a sketch!I Syrtis major was very obvious with Hellas Planitia clearly showing as a light oval patch. With my binoviewers I found that my Hyperion Barlow gave a noticeably better view than my Baader classic Barlow, showing more contrast with less red and blue on the planet limb.
 

The C8 came into its own for deep sky and I enjoyed some nice views of the M1 and M42 with my new Morpheus 17.5mm. The E component of the Trapezium was clearly visible but the seeing was a bit too wobbly for the F tonight. 

 

Edited November 21, 2022 by RobertI

[Stu]

Great sketch @RobertI, it’s certainly a nice time to be viewing Mars with Syrtis Major so well positioned. It looked lovely out there last night, but I was too tired and achy after a day of DIY! 😢

[JeremyS]

Lovely 👍🏻

[bosun21]

Nice sketch, and you’ve got me itching to observe Mars again. The last time out was poor with high cloud and poor seeing.

[Guest]

In two years i have yet to look at Mars.  Its on the to do list but i never seem to catch it when it is in a good spot.  Seems there is always something in the way 

[RobertI]

2 hours ago, Mike Q said:

In two years i have yet to look at Mars.  Its on the to do list but i never seem to catch it when it is in a good spot.  Seems there is always something in the way 

Yes, I really only started ‘getting into’ Mars at the 2020 opposition, partly because it was so large and partly because my new refractor/binoviewer combination transformed my enjoyment of solar system viewing. It seems that Mars is a bit like a plant that flowers spectacularly every two years, but only for a very short period - blink and you miss it!! 

[Guest]

26 minutes ago, RobertI said:

Yes, I really only started ‘getting into’ Mars at the 2020 opposition, partly because it was so large and partly because my new refractor/binoviewer combination transformed my enjoyment of solar system viewing. It seems that Mars is a bit like a plant that flowers spectacularly every two years, but only for a very short period - blink and you miss it!! 

I have looked at it but it wasnt much.  Now that I have some filters i will try it again.  I now also have a 16 inch light bucket, so that will help a lot too LOL. 

[Moon-Monkey]

Some great observations there mate had a great night myself the other day cloudy so far tonight though lol