10 replies to this topic

[mikeDnight]

Mars is currently slightly above 5 arc seconds and as I'd been clouded out for a week or so, I couldn't resist seeing what I could see.

The image at X170 was simply too tiny to make any real sense of in my small scope, though dark albedo markings were visible. Increasing the power to X340 increased the image scale to a good size for studying. I had no preconceived idea of what the LCM was, and thought at first I was seeing Sinus Meridiani and Margeritifer Sinus, but I was wrong!

After working out the meridian it became clear the dark feature just below centre is Syrtis Major and the bright spot to the left of centre is Hellas. I used a prism diagonal just to confuse everyone! 

 

Not too bad for a 100mm scope! 

 

Mike

 

[Astrojensen]

That is just... Wow. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

[Special Ed]

Mike,

 

That's a very good observation and sketch.  I think you have the features identified correctly, too.

[nickcodybarrett]

We'll call it, the inaugural sketch. Great work!

[azure1961p]

Beautiful work. You catch the atmospheric effects very well here.

 

Pete 

[frank5817]

Mike,

 

Most impressive sketch and with 100mm scope.

Very nice work.

 

Frank

[chrisrnuttall]

Again, I really like the subtlety and realism Mike. It is an honest eyepiece view.

[stanislas-jean]

Hi Mike,
And yes, this is quite possible with an excellent 100mm!
Atmospheric formations on terminator are there with contrast faded but dust, north hood too.
An excellent report for exploitation.
The benefit of perfect moderate aperture is expressed with the help of low seeing level and good observer eyes also, sure.
Congratulations.
Stanislas-Jean

[Sheliak_sp]

OMG, how a nice sketch and with lots of details! You shoul have a very good seeing, great observation!

 

Migue

[niteskystargazer]

Mike,

 

Good sketch of  Tiny Mars (On 20th January 2017)   ,

 

CS,KLU,

 

 ,

 

Tom

[mikeDnight]

Thanks all for your encouraging comments! 

 

Mike