Mars is really getting big, bright, and high up! There was too much detail in the 8" f/7 this morning to name, with many small features popping in now and then during moments of excellent seeing. One thing I've noticed lately is that 200x to 300x is the best viewing power compared to 500x or more a few weeks ago, most likely because the disk of the planet is so large now at 24 arcseconds. The same held for taking pictures: while the 5x PowerMate did a clearly better job with the webcam a few weeks ago, a 2x Barlow is now about equal and makes for MUCH easier tracking of the planet (who wants to drift align a mount at 2am?!!).
I kept Mars pictures using both the 5x PowerMate and 2x Barlow as they both look nice in their own ways. The largest dark features are Mare Sirenum coming in from the upper left, followed by Mare Cimmerium across the center, forming the long point of Tritonis Sinus which was also clearly narrower in the eyepiece. Above it is Mare Tyrrenum and the bright Hellas basin hard to see on the upper right limb. Syrtis Major is slightly visible in the photographs at the center right limb but was very visible an hour later through the eyepiece; the smaller Syrtis Minor is distinct in the photos and eyepiece. The dark Propontis Complex at the bottom popped in and out with seeing.
Mars just doesn't get any better... it's immense size makes details visible in pretty much any telescope now. I pulled out my 70mm f/10 achromat and was able to see the polar cap and Mare Cimmerium clearly using an orange filter at 200x.
I kept Mars pictures using both the 5x PowerMate and 2x Barlow as they both look nice in their own ways. The largest dark features are Mare Sirenum coming in from the upper left, followed by Mare Cimmerium across the center, forming the long point of Tritonis Sinus which was also clearly narrower in the eyepiece. Above it is Mare Tyrrenum and the bright Hellas basin hard to see on the upper right limb. Syrtis Major is slightly visible in the photographs at the center right limb but was very visible an hour later through the eyepiece; the smaller Syrtis Minor is distinct in the photos and eyepiece. The dark Propontis Complex at the bottom popped in and out with seeing.
Mars just doesn't get any better... it's immense size makes details visible in pretty much any telescope now. I pulled out my 70mm f/10 achromat and was able to see the polar cap and Mare Cimmerium clearly using an orange filter at 200x.
Attached Image:
