Mars early this morning, "the claw"

I was out extra early this morning and got a nice view of the long "claw" extending across Mars. Also both Hellas and Chryse were clearly visible as bright areas, and to some degree Argyre as well.

One thing I've been noticing on this side of Mars is how dark the area near the cap to the "right" of Hellas is. Anyone know if this is due to recession of the cap or if dust has been moved away from that area exposing the darker rocks beneath?

Attached Image:

Hi Bruce,

Pretty good shot. That polar cap darkening was also visible the last time I saw Mars with the CM at about 90 degrees or so.

Hopefully, after 2 weeks of rain, I'll get to see Mars tomorrow morning.

Thanks for sharing, Sol Robbins

Bruce,

A very nice image of Mars showing much detail. You have captured Sabaeus Sinus and Meridiani Sinus "The Claw" over the middle of the disk very well. The region you are referring to west of Hellas and north of the South Polar Cap (SPC) is Noachis which represents a very ancient (2-2.5 billion years old) cratered plain (Noachis Terra) which does darken at times as reported by observers of Mars in the past. When the area to the south (Mare Australe) and north (Pandorae Fretum) darken as well the region then appears very homogenous. At times this may be due to exposed martian volcanic bedrock as you mention.

The best of luck in future imaging of Mars.

Carlos