Mars - 26th April 2010

[dweller25]

Mars is still hanging in there !!

Takahashi FS-128 at x323 - yes I know that's way too much but I was having fun playing with a new Klee Barlow.

26th April 2010 - 19:45UT

CM=263', seeing AII

[DarkerSky]

The power of a Klee

Good detail in that sketch, which is fantastic given how small the disc is now.

That area you've got question marked could be Aeria, which borders Arabia on the eastern side between it and Syrtis Major.

I was out too on the 26th, but about an hour and a half later when Syrtis Major was on the CM. The first thing I noticed was how weak SM was. Mare Tyrrhenhum and Sinus Sabeaus were both darker features. Even Boreosyrtis was darker!

[dweller25]

Thanks Seb.

I go out very early now for Mars as twilight gives me the steadiest seeing.

I compared the x2.8 Klee with a x2 Celestron Ultima using Orthoscopic eyepieces that gave me the same magnifications. I found no difference at all between the two combos in terms of light scatter, contrast and planetary detail. BUT I can use longer focal length eyepieces with the Klee which is easier on my eyes.

Next chance I get I will use the Klee in the Newt on Mars to compare but I think we are running out of time ......

Clear skies.