Mars - 13th October 2009

[dweller25]

Got up at 4:30am for this one.

8" F/6 Newtonian, Televue 8mm Plossl and x2 Celestron Ultima Barlow giving x300.

The upper ice cap was difficult to see but the lower ice cap was easy.

Phase was easy to see too. Clear red/orange colour.

After watching Jupiter for the last few months Mars looks really tiny !!

Image drawn at 5:25am

[Doc]

You have more dedication then me, I've yet to see Mars this year. Great sketch and thanks for posting.

[ashenlight]

I am still waiting for my first view of Mars, ever. Just need to brave the cold early in the morning Excellent sketch, it looks really natural.

[bish]

I've not managed to see it yet this year (other than through binoculars). You've done well to see details given it's size.

[dweller25]

Thanks for the comments.

I'm looking forward to the Martian opposition when it will be a little bigger - but not much !!

The Skywatcher 8" F/6 newtonian continues to impress me optically and is fantastic value for money. Adding a rear fan has helped a lot with stabilising the image.

[Talitha]

Great observation! I haven't seen Mars this year either, so thanks for the preview of what's to come.