Mars Images — MarsWatch 2005
Images taken by Carlos E. Hernandez
Monday, 18th of July 2005
I made an observation of Mars on July 18, 2005 (06:50 and 07:15 U.T.) using
my 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain under average (5-6/10) seeing
conditions. The planet presented an impressive amount of detail although only
subtending 10.4 arc-seconds. Most notable was the presence of significant cloud
(haze) activity over the Electris/Eridania/Ausonia region, especially under
blue (Wratten 38) light. I do not believe that dust activity was present over
these regions, but instead typical atmospheric phenomena (clouds and haze).
Date (U.T.): July 18, 2005
Time (U.T.): 06:50 (left image) and 07:15 (right image)
CM: 211.9 (left image) and 218.0 (right image)
Ls 252.0, De -20.0, p 0.84, 10.4"
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 388x
Filters: Wratten 30 (magenta) and 38 (blue)
Seeing (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 3 (haze present)
Notes:
Left image: An observation of Mars made at 06:50 U.T. under integrated light
(IL) and also using a magenta (Wratten 30) filter. The South Polar Cap (SPC)
appears brilliant (10/10) surrounded by a dark (3/10) collar comprised of
Mare Australe, Thyle I and II, and Mare Chronium. A very dark (2.5/10) albedo
feature was noted at the approximate location of Ulyxis Fretum (190*W, -63*).
The regions of Electris, Eridania, and Ausonia appeared to be partially
obscured by a bright (7/10) haze (water-ice clouds/ low-lying fog?). Mare
Cimmerium appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) with it's southern border partially
obscured by the bright (7/10) haze. Mare Tyrrhenum and Syrtis Minor also
appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) following the CM. Elysium was visible over
the north-preceding (Np) limb and appeared to be obscured by a bright (7/10)
haze. Cerberus/Pambotis Lacus/Eunostos I (4-5/10) were visible along Elysium's
southern border. Zephyria, Aeolis, Aethiopis, and Aetheria appeared bright
(7/10) without any detail visible within. An extremely bright (9/10) evening
limb haze (ELH), North Polar haze (NPH), and morning limb haze (MLH) was
noted as well.
Right image: An observation of Mars made at 07:15 U.T. using a Wratten 38
(blue) filter. A wedge-shaped bright (7/10) was noted to extend between
Electris, Eridania, and Ausonia (water-ice clouds/surface fog?). A bright
cloud (7/10) was noted over Elysium. The evening limb haze (ELH), North Polar
haze (NPH), and morning limb haze (MLH) appeared extremely bright (9/10). The
South Polar Cap (SPC) region appeared extremely bright (9/10) as well.
Sunday, 21st of August 2005
Wednesday, 14th of September 2005
I made an observation of Mars on September 14, 2005 (06:30 U.T. (IL/W30)
and 06:50 U.T. (W38)) under average to good seeing conditions (5-6/10, moments
of 7/10). I noted an impressive amount of detail extending between Sinus
Sabaeus and Solis Lacus (on the following limb). Mare Erythraeum appeared very
complex and mottled. I welcome any comments on my observations.
Date (U. T.): September 14, 2005
Time (U.T.): 06:30 (left image) and 06:50 (right image)
CM: 012.7 (left image) and 017.5 (right image)
Ls 288.0 (Early Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -11.3, Diameter 15.7", Phase (p) 0.89
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 388x
Filters (Wratten): 30 (magenta) and 38 (blue)
Seeing (1-10): 5-6 (moments of 7), Antoniadi (I-V): III
Notes:
06:30 U.T (Left image, IL and W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appears small,
but brilliant (10/10) surrounded by a dark (3/10) collar (Mare Oceanidum?).
Hellespontus appears dark (3/10) along the south-preceding limb. Noachis
appears shaded to bright (6-7/10). Chalce (?) appears as a dusky (4/10) wedge
extending into Noachis. Pandorae Fretum appears dark to dusky (3-4/10) south
of Sabaeus Sinus (3/10) and Meridiani Sinus (3/10) which are separated by a
shaded to bright (6-7/10) Deucalionis Regio. Brangaena appears a thin, dark
(3/10), curvilinear projection from the north-following border of Meridiani
Sinus. Margaritifer Sinus appears dark (3/10) and wedge-shaped on the CM. Aram
appears bright (7/10) between Meridiani Sinus and Margaritifer Sinus. Oxia
Palus appears as an elliptical, dusky (4/10) albedo feature north of the tip
of Margaritifer Sinus. Mare Erythraeum appears complex and mottled (3-6/10)
following the CM. Aurorae Sinus appears dark (3/10) and wedge-shaped towards
the following limb. The northern border of Mare Erythraeum appears complex
with thin, dusky to dull (4-5/10) projections extending into Chryse-Xanthe
(7/10). Solis Lacus appears dark (3/10) and foreshortened along the following
limb. Niliacus Lacus appears as a dark to dusky (3-4/10) wedge partially
obscured by an extremely bright (9/10) North Polar Hood (NPH). Extremely
bright (9/10) morning and evening limb hazes (MLH and ELH) are noted.
06:50 U.T. (Right image, W38): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appears small and
brilliant (10/10). Pandorae Fretum, Sabaeus Sinus, Meridiani Sinus,
Margaritifier Sinus, Mare Erythraeum, and Solis Lacus are visible as dusky to
dull (4-5/10) albedo features towards the center of the disk. Aram appears
bright (7/10, possible water-ice clouds?). A bright to very bright (7-8/10)
cloud appears to extend between Eden and Tharsis over Chryse-Xanthe. Niliacus
Lacus is visible as dull (5/10) wedge south of an extremely bright (9/10) North
Polar Hood (NPH). Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH) and evening
limb haze (ELH) is noted.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Wednesday, 28th of September 2005
I made observations of Mars on September 28, 2005 (06:30 U.T. (IL/W30) and
06:50 U.T. (W38)) under average seeing conditions (5-6/10). Brief moments of
steady seeing (7/10) allowed me to note much detail over the Martian disk,
especially over the southern hemisphere. I welcome any comments that you may
have on my observations.
Date (U.T.): September 28, 2005
Time (U.T.): 06:30 (left image) and 06:50 (right image)
CM: 243.0 (left image) and 247.8 (right image)
Ls 296.5, De -10.5, Ds -22.0, Dia. 17.5", p 0.93
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 344x
Filters (Wratten): 30 (magenta) and 38 (blue)
Seeing (1-10): 5-6 (moments of 7), Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 3-4 (hazy)
Notes:
06:30 U.T. (Left image, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared very
small but brilliant (10/10) and surrounded by a dark (3/10) collar (Mare
Australe). Mare Cimmerium was prominent (3-4/10) and mottled preceding the
CM with Tritonis Sinus on the CM itself. A section of "Valhalla" was visible
(5/10) to the north of Mare Cimmerium towards the preceding limb. Scamander
was visible along the southern border of Mare Cimmerium (it's base (Scamandri
Sinus) was darker (3/10) compared to the rest of the feature (4-5/10)).
Electris, Eridania, and Ausonia appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) and finely
mottled. Mare Chronium appeared dusky (4/10) along the CM towards the south.
Hesperia appeared as a bright to very bright (7-8/10) angled wedge on the CM
between Mare Cimmerium and Mare Tyrrhenum (3-4/10). Syrtis Minor was visible
as a dark (3/10) wedge following the CM. Mare Hadriacum was visible as a dusky
to dark (3-4/10) eastern (preceding) border of a very bright to brilliant
(8-9/10) Hellas. Iapygia Viridis was visible (4/10) adjacent to an extremely
bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH). Syrtis Major appeared as a dark (3/10)
wedge adjacent to the MLH. Moeris Lacus (4-5/10) was visible projecting from
the preceding (eastern) border of Syrtis Major. Libya appeared very bright
(8/10) possibly due to clouds or haze. Aeolis, Aethiopis, and Aetheria appeared
bright (7/10). Elysium was very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) along the
north-preceding limb. Pambotis Lacus (3/10), Eunostos (4/10), and the Hyblaeus
Extension (3-4/10) were visible along the following border of Elysium. Nodus
Alcyonius was visible as a dark (3/10) oval following the CM. Utopia was
partially visible (4/10) south an extremely bright (9/10) North Polar Hood
(NPH). An extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH) was visible as well.
06:50 U.T. (Right image, Wratten 38): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared
brilliant (10/10). Mare Cimmerium and Mare Tyrrhenum were visibly dull (5/10)
with little other detail towards the center of the disk. Syrtis Major was
visible as a dull (5/10) projection towards the following limb. Libya appeared
very bright (8/10). Hesperia appeared as a thin, bright (7/10) wedge just
preceding the CM. Hellas appeared very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10)
with very bright (8/10) projections extending from it's preceding border over
Ausonia. Extremely bright (9/10) morning and evening limb hazes (MLH and ELH)
were visible. the North Polar Hood (NPH) appeared extremely bright (9/10) as
well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Friday, 07th of October 2005
I made a pair of observations of Mars on September 7, 2005 (04:20 and
05:30 U.T.) under steady (6-7/10) seeing conditions. The amount of detail
that was visible made it difficult to render it all during the session,
especially over the southern hemisphere. I welcome any comments that you
may have on my observations.
Date (U.T.): September 7, 2005
Time (U.T.): 04:20 (left image) and 05:30 (right image)
CM: 129.4 (left image) and 146.4 (right image)
Ls: 301.8 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -10.8, Ds -20.9, p 0.95, 18.6"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 344x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38
Seeing (1-10): 6-7, Antoniadi (I-V): II
Transparency (1-6): 3 (hazy)
Notes:
04:20 U.T. (Left image, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was very small
and brilliant (10/10). Mare Australe appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and
mottled. Bosporos Gemmatus, Aonius Sinus, and Palinuri Fretum appeared dark
to dusky (3-4/10) and irregular over certain segments. Thaumasia, Daedalia,
and Phaethontis appeared bright (7/10). Solis Lacus appeared dark to dusky
(3-4/10) and elongated north-south towards the preceding limb. Dusky (4/10)
projections were noted to extend from it's north-preceding border (Geryon)
and southern border (Ambrosia and Bathys). A dusky (4/10) and partially
obscured (haze) Tithonius Lacus was visible north of Solis Lacus. Thaumasia
(northern portion) and Ophir appeared very bright (8/10, most likely due to
water vapor/haze). Phasis appeared as thin, dark (3/10) finger-like projection
(northward) from Aonius Sinus. Mare Sirenum was dark to dusky (3-4/10)
following the CM and appeared to contain mottling within it, especially
during moments of very steady seeing. Araxes (4-5/10) was visibly extending
from the preceding tip of Mare Sirenum. A very bright (8/10) circular albedo
feature was noted in the region of Phoenicis Lacus at the eastern (preceding)
tip of Araxes (Lux?). The eastern (preceding) section of "Valhalla" was noted
north of Mare Sirenum over Memnonia (7/10). The eastern (preceding) tip of
Mare Cimmerium was visible (4/10) on the following limb. The following
(western) border of Mare Acidalium was visible (5/10) along the preceding
limb partially obscured by a very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) evening
limb haze (ELH, 9/10). An orographic (mountain-associated) cloud was visible
over the region of Olympus Mons (especially noted using the Wratten 30 (magenta)
filter). A small, thin and dusky (4/10) albedo feature was noted north of this
cloud. I do not believe that I was observing the actual shadow of Olympus Mons
(especially so close to the CM), but rather the shadow (?) of the orographic
cloud instead. Tharsis and Amazonis appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) and
mottled (especially Amazonis). A very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10)
North Polar Hood (NPH) was visible (inconsistent in density as dusky (4/10)
albedo features were visible through portions of it). An extremely bright
(9/10) morning limb haze (MLH) was visible.
05:30 U.T. (Right image, W38): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared very small
and brilliant (10/10). Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH), evening
limb haze (ELH), and North Polar Hood (NPH) were visible. The eastern
(preceding) section of Tharsis was very bright (8/10). Mare Sirenum (5/10)
appeared to be bordered by bright to very bright (7-8/10) clouds/haze. The
Olympus Mons orographic cloud appeared very bright (8/10) on the CM.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Tuesday, 11th of October 2005
I made a pair of observations of Mars on October 11, 2005 (05:30 and 06:15
U.T.) under average to good (6-7/10) seeing conditions. A wealth of detail
was visible over the Martian disk that was almost impossible to render. The
Solis Lacus region was very complex as depicted. A W-cloud was noted over
the Tharsis region, especially in blue light (Wratten 38A). I welcome any
observations on my observations.
Date (U.T.): October 11, 2005
Time (U.T.): 05:30 (left image) and 06:15 (right image)
CM: 110.4 (left image) and 121.3 (right image)
Ls: 304.2 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -11.1, Ds -20.3, p 0.96, 19.03"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 374x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 6-7, Antoniadi (III-II)
Transparency (1-6): 4-5
Notes:
05:30 U.T. (Left image, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was very small
and brilliant (10/10) surrounded by a dark (3/10) collar. Mare Australe
appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) and mottled. Solis Lacus was visible towards
the preceding limb and appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) with northern (Geryon
(5/10) and Calydon (4/10)) and southern (Ambrosia (5/10) and Bathys (4/10))
projections over Thaumasia (7/10). Nectar (3/10) was visibly connecting
Solis Lacus to Mare Erythraeum (3-4/10). Agathodaemon (Coprates) was visible
as a dark (3/10) projection from the preceding limb connecting to a partially
obscured, by clouds/haze (8/10), Tithonius Lacus (Melas Lacus (4/10) and
Noctis Lacus (5/10); also comprising Echus Lacus, Hebes Lacus, and Ius Lacus
which were not visible). Bosporos Gemmatus was dark to dusky (3-4/10) with
condensations. Aonius Sinus (3/10) was visible on the CM with Phasis (4/10)
projecting to the north. Phasis appeared to connect to a curvilinear and
dusky (4/10) band from Tithonius Lacus which then completed a ring complex
surrounding Solis Lacus. Daedalia appeared bright (7/10) between Phasis and
Araxes (5/10). Mare Sirenum was visible following the CM and appeared dark
to dusky (3-4/10). Sirenum Deprresio appeared a dark (3/10), circular albedo
feature over the south-following border of Mare Sirenum. Phaethontis appeared
bright to very bright (7-8/10) south of Mare Sirenum. The western (following)
border of Mare Acidalium (5/10) was partially obscured by clouds/haze (8-9/10).
Tharsis appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10). Arcadia and Amazonis appeared dusky
to dull (4-5/10) and very mottled. A bright (7/10) patch was noted within this
region which may represent the area of Olympus Mons (no specific brightening
was noted over this area using the blue filter(W38A)). Dusky to dull (4-5/10)
albedo features were noted over (or visible through) a semi-transparent North
Polar Hood (NPH, 8-9/10). Thin and extremely bright (9/10) morning and evening
limb hazes (MLH and ELH) were noted as well.
06:15 U.T. (Right image, W38A): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared small and
brilliant (10/10). Solis Lacus and Mare Sirenum were visible as dull (5/10)
albedo features. A very bright (8/10) W-cloud was noted over Tharsis, north
of the Tithonius Lacus complex. Arcadia and Amazonis appeared to be obscured
by a very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) haze. Extremely bright (9/10)
morning limb haze (MLH) and evening limb haze (ELH) were visible as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Thursday, 13th of October 2005
I made a pair of observations of Mars on October 13, 2005 (06:00 and 06:35
U.T.) under average to good (6-7/10) seeing conditions. A wealth of detail
was again visible over the Martian disk that was very difficult render. The
Solis Lacus region was very complex and mottled within. A W-cloud was again
noted over the Tharsis region, especially in blue light (Wratten 38A). I
welcome any comments on my observations.
Date (U.T.): October 13, 2005
Time (U.T.): 06:00 (left image) and 06:35 (right image)
CM: 099.7 (left image) and 108.3 (right image)
Ls: 305.4 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -11.3, Ds -20.0, p 0.96, 19.24"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 344x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 5-7, Antoniadi (III-II)
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
06:00 U.T. (Left image, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was very small and
brilliant (10/10) surrounded by a dark (3/10) collar. Mare Australe appeared
dusky to dull (4-5/10) and mottled. Solis Lacus was visible just preceding the
CM appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) with northern (Geryon (5/10) and Calydon
(4/10)) and southern (Ambrosia (5/10) and Bathys (4/10)) projections over
Thaumasia (7/10). Solis Lacus appeared to be mottled within during moments of
steady seeing. Nectar (3/10) was visibly connecting Solis Lacus to Mare
Erythraeum (3-4/10). Protei Regio appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) within
Mare Erythraeum. Aurorae Sinus appeared as a dark (3/10), bifid projection
from the north-following border of Mare Erythraeum. Agathodaemon (Coprates) was
visible as a dark (3/10), curvilinear projection from the following (western)
border of Mare Erythraeum connecting to the Tithonius Lacus complex. The
southern border of Tithonius Lacus was the only segment visible as haze/clouds
obscured the rest of the complex. (Melas Lacus, Noctis Lacus, Echus Lacus,
Hebes Lacus, and Ius Lacus). A very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10)
W-shaped cloud was noted north of the Tithonius Lacus complex over Tharsis
(it appeared to extend from the preceding limb to over the following border of
Solis Lacus). Bosporos Gemmatus was dark to dusky (3-4/10) with condensations
within it. Aonius Sinus (3/10) was visible following the CM with Phasis (4/10)
projecting to the north. Phasis appeared to connect to a curvilinear, dark
(3/10), comma-shaped albedo feature on the CM. The ring complex surrounding
Solis Lacus was partially obscured over it's following (western) half. Daedalia
appeared bright (7/10) between Phasis and Araxes (5/10). Mare Sirenum was
visible following the CM, towards the following limb. and appeared dark to
dusky (3-4/10). Phaethontis appeared bright to very bright (7-8/10) south of
Mare Sirenum. The western (following) border of Mare Acidalium (5/10) was
partially obscured by clouds/haze (8-9/10). Tharsis appeared shaded to bright
(6-7/10). Arcadia and Amazonis appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) and very
mottled. Dusky to dull (4-5/10) albedo features were noted over (or visible
through) a semi-transparent North Polar Hood (NPH, 8-9/10). Thin and extremely
bright (9/10) morning and evening limb hazes (MLH and ELH) were noted as well.
06:35 U.T. (Right image, W38A): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared small and
brilliant (10/10). Solis Lacus and Mare Sirenum were visible as dull (5/10)
albedo features. A very bright (8/10) W-cloud was noted over Tharsis, north
of the Tithonius Lacus complex. Arcadia and Amazonis appeared to be obscured
by a very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) haze. Extremely bright (9/10)
morning limb haze (MLH) and evening limb haze (ELH) were visible as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Wednesday, 26th of October 2005
Date (U.T.): October 26, 2005
Time (U.T.) 03:15
CM 303.9
Ls: 313.0 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -13.1, Ds -17.9, p 0.99, 20.11"
Instrument: Celestron 8" F/10 SCT
Magnification: 194x
S (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency: 6+ (No lights!)
Notes:
The dust storm appears to be obscuring the majority of the Southern hemisphere
of Mars. It's color appeared a pale yellow-mustard to my eyes. The storm
appears to extend into the Hellas basin (6-8/10) from Noachis (6-7/10). The
southern half of Meridiani Sinus (southern half, 3-6/10) was partially obscured
by dust. The South Polar Cap (10/10) was visible through the dust . Syrtis
Major appeared prominent (3-4/10) preceding the CM. Mare Tyrrhenum (4/10) and
Syrtis Minor (3/10) were visible towards the preceding limb. Sinus Sabaeus was
prominent (3-4/10) as well on the CM. Pandorae Fretum (4-6/10) was obscured
over certain sections by dust. A thin, dusky to dull (4-5/10) Hellespontus was
visible through the dust. Neith Regio, Aeria, Arabia, Moab, and Eden were
bright (7/10) without any other detail visible within. Extremely bright (9/10) n
morning limb haze (MLH), North Polar Hood (NPH), and evening limb haze (ELH)
were visible.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Wednesday, 02nd of November 2005
I made a pair of Mars observations on November 3, 2005 (04:45 and 05:45 U.T).
The following (morning) limb appears to contain dust (a dull beige color
noted) as well as portions of the southern hemisphere (especially over
Eridania-Ausonia). Hesperia may have contained some dust as well. I welcome
any comments on my observations.
Date (U.T.): November 3, 2005
Time (U.T.): 04:45 (left image) and 05:45 (right image)
CM: 255.4 (left image) and 270.0 (right image)
Ls: 317.6 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -14.6, Ds -16.4, p 0.99, 20.11"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 388x
Filters (Wratten): 30 (magenta) and 38A (blue)
Seeing (1-10): 5-6 (moments of 7), Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
04:45 U.T. (Left image, CM 255.4, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared
small and brilliant (10/10). Mare Australe appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) and
mottled. Mare Chronium appeared dusky (4/10) preceding the CM. Mare Hadriacum
and Tiphys Fretum appeared as a dark to dusky (3-4/10), curvilinear albedo
feature following the CM. Electris, Eridania, and Ausonia appeared bright
(7/10) with a pale yellow-mustard color noted over these regions (dust?).
Hellas appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) with a very bright (8/10) northwest
sector (water vapor versus dust?). Mare Cimmerium and Tritonis Sinus (sharp
projection over the following end of Mare Cimmerium) appeared dark to dusky
(3-4/10) preceding the CM. Hesperia appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) with
dull (5/10) streaks across it (including Cerberus III). Hesperia appeared a
pale yellow-mustard color as well (dust?). Mare Tyrrhenum and Syrtis Minor
appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and mottled following the CM. Iapygia Viridis
appeared dusky to dark (3-4/10) and mottled. Syrtis Major appeared dark to
dusky (3-4/10) over it's preceding half (Moeris Lacus appeared dusky to dull
(4-5/10) along it's preceding border). Aeolis, Aethiopis, and Aetheria appeared
bright (7/10) without any other detail visible. Nodus Alcyonius appeared a
dusky (4/10), elliptical albedo feature towards the north-following limb.
Utopia appeared as a dark to dusky (3-4/10) wedge adjacent to an extremely
bright (9/10) cloud over the Nf limb. The Hyblaeus Extension appeared as a
dusky to dull (4-5/10) area preceding the CM. Extremely bright (9/10) evening
limb haze (ELH) and morning limb haze (MLH) were visible.
05:45 U.T. (Right image, CM 270.0, W38A): Mare Cimmerium, Mare Tyrrhenum, Mare
Hadriacum, Iapygia Viridis, and Syrtis Major appeared dull (5/10). Eridania
and Ausonia appeared bright to very bright (7-8/10). Hellas appeared bright to
very bright (7-8/10, brightest over the northwest sector). Libya appeared to
contain a very bright (8/10) cloud over it. Extremely bright (9/10) evening
limb haze (ELH) and morning limb haze (MLH) were visible as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Monday, 07th of November 2005
I made a pair of Mars observations on November 7, 2005 (02:15 and 02:50 U.T.)
under average seeing conditions (5/10, the atmosphere did steady for brief
moments to 6-7/10). Electris and Eridania appeared bright and both exhibiting
a mildly yellow-mustard color (dust?). "Valhalla" was diffusely visible
following the CM. I welcome any comments on my observations.
Date (U.T.): November 7, 2005
Time (U.T.): 02:15 (left image) and 02:50 (right image)
CM: 183.7 (left image) and 192.2 (right image)
Ls: 319.8 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De: -15.3, Ds: -15.7, p 1.00, 19.94"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 388x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 5, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 4
Notes:
02:15 U.T. Left image, CM 183.7, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared
over the southern limb as a thin, brilliant (10/10) oval (not as readily
visible from this longitude). Mare Australe and Mare Chronium appeared dark
to dull (3-5/10) and mottled. Phaethontis appeared bright (7/10). Electris
and Eridania wee also bright (7/10) but appeared to be mildly yellow-mustard
tinged (dust?). Mare Sirenum appeared dark (3/10) and mottled. Mare Cimmerium
appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and mottled as well. "Valhalla" appeared as a
diffuse, dull (5/10) band north of Mare Cimmerium. Zephyria and Aeolis appeared
bright to very bright (7-8/10) north of Mare Cimmerium as well (water vapor
cloud vs. dust). Memnonia, Zephyria, Aeolis, Aethiopis, and Aetheria appeared
bright (7/10). Elysium appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) preceding the CM.
Phlegra appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10). The Hyblaeus Extension appeared dark
to dull (3-5/10) and mottled following Elysium. Utopia appeared dusky to dull
(4-5/10) following the CM. An extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH)
and morning limb haze (MLH) were noted. An extremely bright (9/10) North Polar
Limb (or Hood?) was noted as well.
02:50U.T. (Right image, CM 192.2, W38A): Mare Sirenum and Mare Cimmerium were
dull (5/10) preceding and following the CM, respectively. Bright to very bright
(7-8/10) clouds were noted over Phaethontis, Electris, Eridania, Zephyria, and
Aeolis. Extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH), morning limb haze
(MLH), North polar limb, and South polar limb were noted.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Tuesday, 08th of November 2005
I made a pair of Mars observations on November 8, 2005 (00:50 and 01:15 U.T.)
under average to good seeing conditions (6-7/10). Much detail was noted over
the southern hemisphere from Solis Lacus to Mare Cimmerium. Olympus Mons
(orographic cloud) was noted as well. I welcome any comments that you may
have on my observations.
Date (U.T.) November 8, 2005
Time (U.T.): 00:50 (left image) and 01:15 (right image)
CM: 154.1 (left image) and 160.2 (right image)
Ls: 320.3 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De: -15.5, Ds: -15.5, p: 1.00, 19.88"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 298x, and 388x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
S (1-10): 6-7, Antoniadi (I-V): III-II
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
00:50 U.T. (Left image, CM 154.1, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was
brilliant and small. Mare Austale was dusky to dull (4-5/10) and mottled.
Solis Lacus appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) over the south-preceding limb.
Aonius Sinus appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) with Phasis (5/10) projecting
from it's northern border. Daedalia, Phaethontis, Electris, and Eridania
appeared bright (7/10). Mare Sirenum appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and
mottled on the CM (Caralis Fons (4/10) was noted along it's southern border).
Mare Cimmerium was dark to dusky (3-4/10) following Mare Sirenum. "Valhalla"
appeared as a dull (5/10) and diffuse band north of Mare Sirenum and Mare
Cimmerium. Memnonia and Zephyria appeared bright to very bright (7-8/10).
Tithonius Lacus was visible as a dark to dusky (3-4/10) wedge along the
preceding limb surrounded by a very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) cloud
projecting from the extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH). Tharsis
and Amazonis appeared bright to very bright (7-8/10). Tempe and Arcadia
appeared dull to shaded (5-6/10). Olympus Mons (orographic cloud) appeared
very bright (8/10) over Tharsis preceding the CM. Phlegra appeared dusky to
dull (4-5/10) towards the following limb (preceding Elysium). The southern
components of the Propontis Complex (Euxinus Lacus, Propontis I, and possibly
Castorius Lacus) were dusky to dull (4-5/10). Elysium appeared bright to
very bright (7-8/10) adjacent to an extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze
(MLH). An extremely bright (9/10) North Polar Haze (NPH) was noted as well.
01:15 U.T. (Right image, CM 160.2, W38A): A very bright to extremely bright
(8-9/10) cloud was noted to project from the preceding limb over Tharsis and
extending to Memnonia. Mare Sirenum and Mare Cimmerium appeared dull (5/10).
Olympus Mons (orographic cloud) was very bright (8/10) towards the
north-preceding limb over Tharsis. Bright to very bright (7-8/10) discrete
clouds were noted over Phaethontis, Electris, Memnonia, and Zephyria. Elysium
appeared bright to very bright (7-8/10) over the north-following limb.
Extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (LH), morning limb haze (MLH),
and North Polar Haze (NPH) were noted as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Friday, 11th of November 2005
I made a pair of Mars observations on November 11, 2005 (00:45 and 01:15 U.T.)
under average seeing conditions (5-6/10, periods of 7). Much detail was noted
over the southern hemisphere from Solis Lacus to Mare Cimmerium. I welcome any
comments that you may have on my observations.
Date (U.T.) November 11, 2005
Time (U.T.): 00:45 (left image) and 01:15 (right image)
CM: 126.5 (left image) and 133.8 (right image)
Ls: 322.0 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De: -16.0, Ds: -14.9, p: 0.99, 19.64"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 298x, and 388x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
S (1-10): 5-6 (periods of 7), Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
00:45 U.T. (Left image, CM 126.5, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was
brilliant and very small. Mare Austale was dusky to dull (4-5/10) and mottled.
Solis Lacus appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) over the south-preceding limb.
Nectar appeared broad and dusky (4/10). Ambrosia (5/10) and Bathys (5/10)
were noted to project from the southern border of Solis Lacus. Geryon (5/10)
and Calydon (5/10) were noted to project from it's northern border. Aonius
Sinus appeared dusky (4/10) with Phasis (5/10) projecting from it's northern
border. Daedalia, Phaethontis, and Electris appeared bright (7/10). Mare
Sirenum appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and mottled following the CM (Caralis
Fons (4/10) was noted along it's southern border). Mare Cimmerium was dark to
dusky (3-4/10) following Mare Sirenum towards the following limb. Memnonia
and Zephyria appeared bright to very bright (7-8/10) north of Mare Sirenum.
Tithonius Lacus was visible as a dark to dusky (3-4/10) wedge towards the
preceding limb surrounded by a very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) cloud
projecting from the extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH). Tharsis
and Amazonis appeared bright (7/10). Tempe and Arcadia appeared dull to shaded
(5-6/10). Olympus Mons appeared as a bright (7/10) circular albedo feature over
Tharsis following the CM. Phlegra appeared as a dusky (4/10) "sliver" towards
the following limb. An extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH) and
North Polar Haze (NPH) were noted as well.
01:15 U.T. (Right image, CM 133.8, W38A): A bright to very bright (7-8/10)
cloud was noted to project from the preceding limb over Tharsis , Daedalia,
Memnonia, and Zephyria on the following limb (cloud band?). Solis Lacus, Mare
Sirenum and Mare Cimmerium appeared dull (5/10). Extremely bright (9/10)
evening limb haze (LH), morning limb haze (MLH), and North Polar Haze (NPH)
were noted as well. A very bright (8/10) projection (cloud) from the NPH was
noted over Tempe-Arcadia.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Thursday, 17th of November 2005
I made an observation of Mars on November 17, 2005 (05:00 and 05:45 U.T.)
under average to good seeing conditions (5-7/10). Much detail was noted
over the southern hemisphere from Solis Lacus to Mare Cimmerium. A bright
(7/10) streak was noted along the length of Mars Sirenum (cloud vs. dust?).
I welcome any comments that you may have on my observation.
Date (U.T.) November 17, 2005
Time (U.T.): 05:00 (left image) and 05:45 (right image)
CM: 135.8 (left image) and 146.8 (right image)
Ls: 325.4 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De: -17.0, Ds: -13.8, p: 0.99, 19.02"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 347x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
S (1-10): 5-7, Antoniadi (I-V): III-II
Transparency (1-6): 4
Notes:
05:00 U.T. (Left image, CM 135.8, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was
brilliant and very small (more readily noticeable during moments of steady
seeing). Mare Austale was dusky to dull (4-5/10) and mottled. Solis Lacus
appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) over the south-preceding limb. Ambrosia
(5/10) and Bathys (5/10) were noted to project from the southern border of
Solis Lacus. Geryon (5/10) and Calydon (5/10) were noted to project from
its northern border. Aonius Sinus appeared dusky (4/10) with Phasis (5/10)
projecting from it's northern border. Daedalia, Phaethontis, and Electris
appeared bright (7/10). Mare Sirenum appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and
mottled following the CM (Caralis Fons (4/10) was noted along its following-
southern border). A bright (7/10) streak was noted within Mare Sirenum along
its east-west length (possibly a cloud or dust?). Araxes was noted as a dull
(5/10), diffuse projection over the preceding end of Mare Sirenum. Mare
Cimmerium was diffusely visible within the extremely bright (9/10) morning
limb haze (MLH). Memnonia and Zephyria appeared bright to very bright (7-8/10)
north of Mare Sirenum. Tharsis and Amazonis appeared bright (7/10). Tempe
and Arcadia appeared dull to shaded (5-6/10). Olympus Mons appeared as a
bright (7/10) circular albedo feature over Tharsis preceding the CM. An
extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH) and North Polar Haze (NPH)
were noted as well.
05:45 U.T. (Right image, CM 146.8, W38A): Solis Lacus, Mare Sirenum and
Mare Cimmerium appeared dull (5/10). A very bright to extremely bright
(8-9/10) cloud was noted to project from the preceding limb over Tharsis.
Bright to very bright (7-8/10) clouds were noted over Memnonia and Zephyria.
Extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (LH), morning limb haze (MLH), and
North Polar Haze (NPH) were noted as well. A very bright (8/10) projection
(cloud) from the NPH was noted over Tempe-Arcadia.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Friday, 25th of November 2005
I made a pair of observations of Mars on November 25, 2005 (06:30 and 07:00
U.T.) under average (5-6/10) seeing conditions. Much detail was noted over
the southern hemisphere, especially the Solis Lacus region. I welcome any
comments on my observations.
Date (U.T.): November 25, 2005
Time (U.T.): 06:30 (left image) and 07:00 (right image)
CM: 086.6 (left image) and 094.0 (right image)
Ls: 330.0 (Mid-Late Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -18.1, Ds -12.1, p 0.982, 17.85"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 290x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
06:30 U.T. (Left image, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was very small and
brilliant (10/10) surrounded by a dark (3/10) collar. Mare Australe appeared
dusky to dull (4-5/10) and mottled. Solis Lacus was visible just preceding the
CM appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) with northern (Geryon (5/10) and Calydon
(4/10)) and southern (Ambrosia (5/10) and Bathys (4/10)) projections over
Thaumasia (7/10). Solis Lacus appeared to be mottled within during moments of
steady seeing. Nectar (3-4/10) was visibly connecting Solis Lacus to Mare
Erythraeum (3-4/10). Protei Regio appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) within
Mare Erythraeum. Aurorae Sinus appeared as a dark (3/10), bifid projection from
the north-following border of Mare Erythraeum. Agathodaemon (Coprates) was
visible as a dark to dusky (3-4/10), curvilinear projection from the following
(western) border of Mare Erythraeum connecting to the Tithonius Lacus complex
(3-4/10, Melas Lacus, Noctis Lacus, Echus Lacus, Hebes Lacus, and Ius Lacus).
Bosporos Gemmatus was dark to dusky (3-4/10) with condensations within it.
Aonius Sinus (3/10) was visible following the CM. Daedalia appeared bright
(7/10) between Phasis and Araxes (5/10). Mare Sirenum was visible following
the CM, towards the following limb. and appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10).
Phaethontis appeared bright (7/10) south of Mare Sirenum. Niliacus Lacus
(3-4/10) and Mare Acidalium (4/10) were visible towards the north-preceding
limb, partially obscured by clouds/haze (8-9/10). Tharsis , Arcadia and
Amazonis appeared bright (7/10). Dusky to dull (4-5/10) albedo features were
noted over (or visible through) a semi-transparent North Polar Haze (NPH,
8-9/10). Thin and extremely bright (9/10) morning and evening limb hazes
(MLH and ELH) were noted as well.
07:00 U.T. (Right image, W38A): Solis Lacus and Mare Sirenum were visible
as dull (5/10) albedo features. Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze
(MLH) and evening limb haze (ELH) were visible as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Sunday, 27th of November 2005
I made a pair of observations of Mars on November 27, 2005 (03:00 and 04:00
U.T.) under average to good (5-7/10) seeing conditions. Much detail was noted
over the southern hemisphere, especially between Sinus Sabaeus and Mare
Erythraeum. I welcome any comments that you may have on my observations.
Date (U.T.): November 27, 2005
Time (U.T.): 03:00 (left image) and 04:00 (right image)
CM: 017.6 (left image) and 032.2 (right image)
Ls: 331.0 (Mid-Late Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -18.3, Ds -11.7, p 0.98, 17.6"
Instrument: 9" F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 290x, and 348x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 5-7, Antoniadi (I-V): III-II
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
03:00 U.T. (Left image, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was very small
and brilliant (10/10) surrounded by a thin, dark (3/10) collar. Mare Australe
appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) and mottled. Noachis appeared shaded to bright
(6-7/10). Pandorae Fretum appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and mottled (with a
thin, bright (7/10) streak (cloud?) noted within it). Deucalionis Regio
appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) with two, dull (5/10) bands across it.
Sinus Sabaeus and Sinus Meridiani appeared dark (3/10) preceding the CM
(Sigeus Portus (4/10) noted along the northern border of Sinus Sabaeus).
Iani Fretum (?) was noted as a dull (5/10) and diffuse band between Sinus
Meridiani (south-following border) and Margaritifer Sinus (preceding (or
eastern) border). Aeria, Arabia, Eden, Moab, and Aram appeared bright (7/10).
Ismenius Lacus appeared as a thin, dusky (4/10) wedge adjacent to an extremely
bright (9/10) North Polar Haze (NPH). Margaritifer Sinus appeared dark to
dusky (3-4/10) and mottled following the CM. Mare Erythraeum appeared dark to
dull (3-5/10) and mottled with bright (7/10) streaks within it (Pyrrhae
Regio?). Argyre appeared bright (7/10) over it's north-following sector
whereas the rest of the albedo feature appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10).
Aurorae Sinus appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and bifid towards the following
limb. Chryse-Xanthe appeared bright (7/10) and free of dust. Niliacus Lacus
appeared as a dark (3/10) wedge adjacent to the NPH (portions of it visible
through the haze). Thin and extremely bright (9/10) morning and evening limb
hazes (MLH and ELH) were noted as well.
04:00 U.T. (Right image, W38A): Sabaeus Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Margaritifer
Sinus, Mare Erythraeum, and Niliacus Lacus were visible as dull (5/10) albedo
features. Diffuse and bright (7/10) streaks were noted over Mare Erythraeum/
Argyre (water vapor clouds?). Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH),
evening limb haze (ELH), North Polar Haze (NPH), and South Polar Haze (SPH)
were visible as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Thursday, 08th of December 2005
I made an observation of Mars on December 8-9, 2005 (23:45 and 00:15 U.T.,
respectively) under average to good seeing conditions (5-7/10). Detail was
noted over the southern hemisphere. I welcome any comments that you may have
on my observation.
Date (U.T.): December 8-9, 2005
Time (U.T.): 23:45 (left image, Dec. 8, 2005)
and 00:15 (right image, Dec. 9, 2005)
CM: 221.6 (left image) and 228.9 (right image)
Ls: 337.4 (Late Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -19.1, Ds -9.3, p 0.96, 15.6"
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/ 13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 290x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 5-7, Antoniadi (I-V): III-II
Transparency (1-6): 4-5
Notes:
23:45 U.T. (Left image, CM 221.6, IL/W30): The South Polar Region (SPR) was
obscured by a very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) haze (The South Polar
Cap (SPC) was not visible). Mare Chronium appeared dusky to dark (3-4/10).
Electris and Eridania appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) and mottled. Mare
Cimmerium appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) with a bright (7/10) northern border
and "Valhalla" visible (5/10) in sections. A thin, dusky (4/10) streak
(Aethiops I ?) was visible projecting from the Northern/following border
of Mare Cimmerium. Hesperia appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10) with dull
(5/10) streaks across it. Mare Tyrrhenum appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and
Syrtis Minor was dark (3/10). Zephyria, Aeolis, Aethiopis, and Aetheria
appeared bright (7/10) without any other detail visible. Elysium appeared
bright (7/10) on the CM with a dark to dusky (3-4/10) Phlegra to the east
(preceding) and a dark to dusky (3-4/10) Hyblaeus Extension to the west
(following). Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH), evening limb
haze (ELH) and North Polar Region (NPR) were noted.
00:15 U.T. (Right image, CM 228.9, W38A): A bright to very bright (7-8/10)
cloud was visible over Electris-Eridania projecting from the following limb.
Mare Cimmerium, Mare Tyrrhenum, and Mare Chronium appeared dull (5/10). A very
bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) cloud was visible over the Amazonis-Arcadia
region towards the preceding limb. Extremely bright (9/10) MLH, ELH, SPR, and
NPR were noted.
Ironically the current diameter of Mars (15.6") is just smaller than the
largest apparent diameter for the upcoming apparition (15.89" on December 18,
2007). The best of luck imaging and observing Mars.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Tuesday, 13th of December 2005
I made an observation of Mars on December 13, 2005 (01:45 and 02:15 U.T.)
under average seeing conditions (5/10). Detail is still noted over the Martian
southern hemisphere as recorded. Elysium was prominent on the CM. I welcome
any comments that you may have on my observation.
Date (U.T.): December 13, 2005
Time (U.T.): 01:45 (left image) and 02:15 (right image)
CM: 214.3 (left image) and 221.6 (right image)
Ls: 339.6 (Late Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De: -19.2, Ds: -8.4, p 0.95, 14.9"
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 290x, and 344x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 5, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
01:45 U.T. (Left image, CM 214.3, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was very
small and brilliant (10/10). Mare Chronium was dusky to dark (3-4/10) and
mottled on the CM. Electris and Eridania were bright (7/10), but no cloud or
dust activity was noted at this time. The western (following) tip of Mare
Sirenum (4/10) was visible on the preceding limb. Mare Cimmerium was dusky to
dark (3-4/10) and mottled. Hesperia was thin and bright (7/10) with dull (5/10)
streaks across it. Mare Tyrrhenum was dusky to dark (3-4/10) and mottled
towards the following limb. Zephyria and Aeolis appeared shaded to bright
(6-7/10). Aethiopis and Aetheria appeared bright (7/10). Elysium was shaded
to bright (6-7/10) on the CM towards the North Polar limb with dull (5/10)
condensations within it. Phlegra appeared dusky to dark (3-4/10) preceding
Elysium. The Hyblaeus Extension appeared dusky to dark (3-4/10) as well
following Elysium. Morning limb haze (MLH), evening limb haze (ELH), South
Polar Region (SPR), and the North Polar Region (NPR) appeared extremely bright
(9/10).
02:15 U.T. (Right image, CM 221.6, W38A): Mare Cimmerium and Mare Tyrrhenum
appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) preceding and following the CM, respectively.
Mare Chronium appeared dull (5/10) on the CM. Very bright (8/10) hazes were
noted to project from the preceding, Southern, and following limbs over
Zephyria, Aethiopis, and Mare Chronium, respectively. Extremely bright (9/10)
MLH, ELH. SPR, and NPR were noted as well.
Carlos E. Herenandez
Wednesday, 14th of December 2005
I made an observation of Mars on December 13, 2005 (23:45 U.T.) and December
14 (00:15 U.T.), 2005 under average seeing conditions (5-6/10). Detail was
noted over the Martian southern hemisphere between Mare Sirenum and Mare
Cimmerium. Elysium was visible over the north-following limb. I welcome any
comments that you may have on my observation.
Date (U.T.): December 13-14, 2005
Time (U.T.): 23:45 (left image, Dec. 13, 2005) and 00:15 (right image, Dec. 14, 2005)
CM: 175.8 (left image) and 183.2 (right image)
Ls: 340.1 (Late Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De: -19.2, Ds: -8.2, p 0.95, 14.8"
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 290x, and 344x
Filters (Wratten): 30 and 38A
Seeing (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 4-5 (hazy)
Notes:
23:45 U.T. (Left image, Dec. 13, 2005, CM 175.8, IL/W30): The South Polar Cap
(SPC) was very small and brilliant (10/10). Mare Chronium was dusky to dark
(3-4/10) and mottled on the CM. Electris and Eridania were bright (7/10), but
no cloud or dust activity was noted at this time. Mare Sirenum appeared dark
to dusky (3-4/10) preceding the CM. Mare Cimmerium was dusky to dark (3-4/10)
and mottled on and following the CM. Memnonia, Zephyria and Aeolis, Aethiopis
and Aetheria appeared bright (7/10). Elysium was bright (7/10) over the
north-following limb. Phlegra appeared dusky to dark (3-4/10) preceding
Elysium. Morning limb haze (MLH), evening limb haze (ELH), South Polar Region
(SPR), and the North Polar Region (NPR) appeared extremely bright (9/10).
00:15 U.T. (Right image, Dec. 14, 2005, CM 183.2, W38A): Mare Sirenum and Mare
Cimmerium dusky to dull (4-5/10) preceding and following the CM, respectively.
Mare Chronium appeared dull (5/10) on the CM. Very bright (8/10) hazes were
noted to project from the preceding, and following limbs over Arcadia,
Zephyria, and Aethiopis, respectively. A very bright (8/10) cloud was noted
over Elysium. Extremely bright (9/10) MLH, ELH. SPR, and NPR were noted as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Saturday, 17th of December 2005
I made an observation of Mars on December 17, 2005 (01:00 U.T.) under average
seeing conditions (5-6/10), but had to peek through "holes" in the clouds
passing overhead. The weather did not allow me to make a blue light (W38A)
observation. I welcome any comments that you may have on my observation.
Date (U.T.): December 17, 2005
Time (U.T.): 01:00
CM 166.5
Ls: 341.7 (Late Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De: 19.2, Ds: -7.6, p 0.94. 14.3"
Instrument: 10-inch (25-cm) F/9 Newtonian (Palermiti Observatory)
Magnification: 320x
Filters: Klee OPS Barlow (employs a filter layer within the lens)
S (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 1 (visible through holes in the clouds)
Notes:
01:00 U.T. (CM 166.5): The South Polar Cap (SPC) was not visible at this
time (SPR haze?). Mare Chronium appeared dusky (4/10) on the CM. Mare Sirenum
appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) preceding the CM. Mare Cimmerium appeared
dark to dusky (3-4/10) following the CM. Electris and Eridania appeared
bright (7/10) with thin, dull (5/10) streaks across projecting from Mare
Sirenum and Mare Cimmerium. Memnonia, Zephyria, Aeolis, and Aethiopis
appeared bright (7/10). The Propontis Complex appeared dusky (4/10)
adjacent to the extremely bright (9/10) North Polar Region (Hood) preceding
the CM. Phlegra appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) following the CM towards
the North-following limb. Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH),
evening limb haze (ELH), and South Polar Region (SPR) were noted as well.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Monday, 02nd of January 2006
I made an observation of Mars on January 2-3, 2006 (23:50 and 00:30 U.T.,
respectively) under average to good seeing conditions (5-7/10). A good
amount of detail may still be noted over the planet if one is patient.
Hellas appeared very bright (8/10) towards the preceding limb. I welcome
any comments that you may have on my observation.
Date (U.T.): January 2-3, 2006
Time (U.T.): 23:50 (left image) and 00:30 (right image)
CM: 351.2 (left image) and 001.0 (right image)
Ls 350.6, De -18.5, Ds -3.9, p 0.91, 11.8"
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 271x, and 348x
Filters: Klee OPS Barlow
Seeing (1-10): 5-7, Antoniadi (I-V): III-II
Transparency (1-6): 4-5
Notes:
23:50 U.T. (Left image, Jan. 2, 2006, 351.2): The South Polar Cap (SPC)
was not visible at this time. Mare Australe appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10).
Sinus Sabaeus and Sinus Meridiani appeared dark (3/10) and prominent on
the CM. Deucalionis Regio appeared shaded to bright (6-7/10). The preceding
(eastern) half of Pandorae Fretum appeared dark to dusky (3-4/10) and its
following (western) half dull (5/10). Hellespontus appeared dark to dusky
(3-4/10). Noachis appeared dusky to shaded (4-6/10) and mottled. Syrtis
Major was visible on the preceding limb and appeared dark to dull (3-5/10)
with bright to very bright (7-8/10) haze over it. Iapygia Viridis appeared
dusky (4/10) and mottled. Hellas appeared very bright (8/10. connecting to
an extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH). Aeria, Arabia, Moab,
and Eden appeared bright (7/10). Mare Acidalium (3-5/10) was partially
obscured by a bright to very bright (7-8/10) haze over the north-following
limb. Mare Erythraeum and Margaritifer Sinus appeared dark to dull (3-5/10)
towards the following limb. Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH),
evening limb haze (ELH), North Polar Region (NPR), and South Polar Region
(SPR) were visible as well.
00:30 U.T. (Right image, Jan. 3, 2006, CM 001.0): A very bright to extremely
bright (8-9/10) cloud (haze) was visible over Hellas. Sinus Sabaeus, Sinus
Meridiani, and Mare Erythraeum appeared dull (5/10). Noachis appeared shaded
(6/10). Extremely bright (9/10) MLH, ELH, NPR, and SPR were visible.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Sunday, 15th of January 2006
I made an observation of Mars on January 15, 2006 (00:20 and 00:45 U.T.)
under average seeing conditions (4-5/10, with very brief moments of 6/10).
Mare Cimmerium and Mare Tyrrhenum were prominent on the CM. A very bright
(8/10) cloud was visible over Hellas. I welcome any comments that you may
have on my observation.
Date (U.T.): January 15, 2006
Time (U.T.): 00:20 (left image) and 00:45 (right image)
CM: 245.4 (left image) and 251.4 (right image)
Ls 356.7, De -17.3, Ds -1.4, p 0.90, 10.4"
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x and 271x
Filters: Klee OPS Barlow and W38A
Seeing (1-10): 4-5, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes.
00:20 U.T. (Left image, CM 245.4, Klee OPS Barlow): An extremely bright
(9/10) South Polar Haze (SPH) was visible (the South Polar Cap (SPC) was
not visible). Mare Chronium appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) preceding the
CM. Eridania and Ausonia appeared bright (7/10). Hellas appeared very
bright (8/10) over the south-following limb. Mare Cimmerium appeared dark
to dusky (3-4/10) preceding the CM. Hesperia appeared bright to very
bright (7-8/10). Mare Tyrrhenum and Syrtis Minor appeared dark to dusky
(3-4/10) following the CM. Syrtis Major appeared dull (5/10) and obscured
by very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10) haze over the following (morning)
limb. Aeolis, Aethiopis, and Aetheria appeared bright (7/10). The Hyblaeus
Extension appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10) on the CM towards the northern
limb. Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH), evening limb haze
(ELH), and a North Polar Haze (NPH) were noted as well.
00:45 U.T. (Right image, CM 251.4, W38A): Mare Cimmerium, Mare Tyrrhenum
and Mare Chronium appeared dusky to dull (4-5/10). A very bright (8/10)
cloud (haze) was noted over Electris over the south-preceding limb. A very
bright (8/10) cloud (haze) was noted over Hellas over the south-following
limb. Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH), evening limb haze
(ELH), South Polar Haze (SPH), and a North Polar Haze (NPH) were noted as well.
The best of luck imaging and observing Mars as it becomes smaller in apparent
size.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Sunday, 19th of February 2006
I made a pair of observations of Mars on February 19, 2006 (00:45 and
01:05 U.T.) using two excellent instruments (6" F/15 Refractor and a
10" F/9 Newtonian) belonging to a friend (Michael Palermiti, Jupiter,
Florida). The apparent diameter of the planet was small (7.6"), but I
was able to pick out detail when the seeing steadied for brief moments
at a time. The red planet stills continue to provide views for us
earthlings. I welcome any comments on my observations.
Date (U.T.): February 19, 2006
Time (U.T.): 00:45 (left image) and 01:05 (right image)
CM: 297.5 (left image) and 282.3 (right image)
Ls: 013.9 (Early Northern Spring/Southern Autumn)
De: -11.3, Ds: 5.8, p 0.89, 7.6"
Instrument: 6" F/15 Refractor (left image) and 10" F/9 Newtonian (right image)
Filters: None
Seeing (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 6
Notes:
00:45 U.T. (Left image, CM 297.5, 6" F/15 Refractor): Mare Cimmerium
appears dark to dusky (3-4/10) preceding the CM. Hesperia appears as
a light (7/10) division between Mare Cimmerium and Mare Tyrrhenum. Mare
Tyrrhenum and Syrtis Minor appears dark to dusky (3-4/10) following the
CM. Mare Chronium appears dusky (4/10) preceding the CM towards the
South-preceding limb. Eridania and Ausonia appear shaded to bright
(6-7/10). Mare Hadriacum appears dark to dusky (3-4/10) over the eastern
(preceding) border of Hellas (8-9/10). Iapygia Viridis appears dusky
(4/10) and Syrtis Major dark to dusky (3-4/10) towards the following
limb. Aeolis and Aethiopis appears bright (7/10). Libya appears bright
to very bright (7-8/10, haze?). Very bright to extremely bright (8-9/10)
haze is visible over the south polar, preceding (evening), north polar,
and following (morning) limbs.
01:05 U.T. (Right image, CM 282.3, 10" F/9 Newtonian): The above
description (00:45 U.T.) applies to this observation with the addition
of a greater clarity of albedo features. The Hyblaeus Extension (4-5/10)
was visible towards the northern limb. The preceding (eastern) portions
of Hellespontus (4/10) and Sabaeus Sinus (3/10) were visible over the
following limb.
Carlos E. Hernandez
Monday, 27th of March 2006
I made an observation of Mars on March 27, 2006 (00:40 and 01:00 U.T.)
under good seeing (6-7/10) seeing conditions. Although subtending an
apparent diameter of only 5.9 arc-seconds I was able to make some detail
over the Martian surface and atmosphere. I welcome any comments that you
may have on my observation.
Date (U.T.): March 27, 2006
Time (U.T.): 00:40 (left image) and 01:00 (right image)
CM: 290.2 (left image) and 295.1 (right image)
Ls: 30.7 (Mid-Northern Spring/Southern Autumn)
De: -2.9, Ds: 12.4, p: 0.90, Dia: 5.9"
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 271x
Filter: Klee OPS Barlow
Seeing (1-10): 6-7, Antoniadi (I-V) II
Transparency (1-6): 5
Notes:
00:40 U.T. (Left image, CM 290.2, Klee OPS Barlow): Syrtis Major (3-4/10)
and Iapygia Viridis (4/10) were visible on the CM. Mare Tyrrhenum (3-4/10)
and Syrtis Minor (4/10) were noted towards the preceding limb. Hellas
appeared as a shaded to bright (6-7/10), oval feature preceding the CM
towards the south-preceding limb. Hellespontus (3-4/10) and Pandorae
Fretum (4/10) were visible towards the south-following limb. Sabaeus
Sinus (3-4/10) was visible towards the following limb. The North Polar
Cap (NPC) was brilliant (10/10) and visible over the northern limb.
01:00 U.T. (Right image, CM 295.1, W38A): Bright to extremely bright
(7-8/10) aerosols (clouds?) were visible over Hellas and the preceding
limb. The northern, morning (following), southern, and evening (preceding)
limbs appeared extremely bright (9/10). The NPC was brilliant (10/10)
over the northern limb.
Carlos E. Hernandez
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