Mars 08-07-03

Getting further around the globe. Trying to get complete coverage so I can make a little map! -- did this once in '88 with my 3-inch, a fun project that is, if not particularly useful. This is centered I believe on Mare Cimmerium, Mare Tyrrhenum, and Hesperia.

Attached Image:

Paul and Michael,

I would be happy to identify the major features recorded in Paul's excellent sketch of Mars.

The brilliant South Polar Cap (SPC) is noted at the top of the image surrounded by a thin dark colar. The dark, circular albedo feature adjacent to the SPC and preceding the CM may represent Mare Chronium. The dark albedo feature towards the left (preceding or evening) limb is Mare Cimmerium and it's sharp following point Sinus Gomer. Mare Tyrrhenum is on the CM as well as Syrtis Minor. The bright feature separating Mare Cimmerium and Mare Tyrrhenum is Hesperia. The dark band connecting Mare Cimmerium to Mare Chronium is Simois. The thinner band following this is Scamander. The light to gray, circular features over the top portion of the observation represent Phaethontis, Electris, Eridania, Ausonia, and Hellas (preceding to following). Syrtis Major is visible towards the following (morning) limb. Iapygia Viridis and Mare Serpentis are visible south of Syrtis Major. I believe the dark albedo feature towards the bottom left of the observation to be the Hyblaeus Extension. The lighter regions visible are Aeolis, Aethiopis, Libya, Aetheria, and Aeria, from preceding to following limbs.

I hope that the descriptions above help to identifu the features recorded. Happy Mars Observing!

Carlos