Mars Images — MarsWatch 2005
Saturday, 01st of October 2005
Ramiro Hernández Banda , Saltillo, Mx
8" SC Celestron telescope, eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter
Clouds on the limb and over the North pole, dark feature over splendorous
Syrtis Majeur, bright Hellas,
10:01 Longitude of the central meridien = 267.0, Diameter in arcsec = 17.9
Phase = 0.933
Sunday, 02nd of October 2005
Monday, 03rd of October 2005
Tuesday, 04th of October 2005
Mars in wildly variable seeing conditions with focusing difficult; the strong
blue northern polar haze is seen well in these three images covering a two
hour period. There appears to be somewhat of an abrupt cessation of the haze
beginning at about longitude 240 as suggested in the last (09:20 UT) image. A
delineated, south-reaching segment of the polar haze seems to be evident in
the Aetheria region.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Wednesday, 05th of October 2005
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 5th, 2005.
D. A. Peach. Loudwater, Buckinghamshire, UK.
14" (35cm) Celestron SCT @ f/39.5.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing poor occ fair (Pickering 3-6.)
Transparency excellent (5.5mag.)
No wind. Heavy dew.
Alt= 49-53 degs.
Here are some images from October 5th. Poor-fair seeing. This month has been
pretty dreadful so far, with a persistent cloudy anti-cyclone prevailing the
last few days :-(.
Some extensive cloud is present over Tharsis extending into Ophir/Candor.
Arsia cloud is large and quite bright well away from the limb. Good resolution
in Red, showing fine structure in Phasis and Melas/Tithonius Lacus. Also note
the dark spot at Noctis Lacus extending in a chain of tiny spots to Phoenicis
Lacus. Also note a weak SPC rift is hinted at.
Thursday, 06th of October 2005
A brief but steady opening this morning; Mars showing some excellent
detail. The blue northern polar haze/hood extends now southward to nearly
Elysium/Aetheria, with several conspicuous latitudinal striations evident.
The southern polar cap persists, although quite small.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
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
Attached are my first new observations since the good late September period
20-22. The first obvious thing when I brought Mars on screen was the size
which had grown considerably, second thing and this in the blue light was the
visibility of the Arsia orographic cloud which was impressing large, already
during live capturing for the eye visible on the monitor screen. For this
session I used real red, no IR as usual. The seeing was very good to exellent
while I captured to a thin layer of mist or low clouds. The red images now
looked really better then those in near-infrared concerning resolution. Added
to the RGB full disk image (with nicely visible some small projections in Mare
Sirenum/Memnonia) is a HC blue light image and a partial high contrast RGB
color image of the Tharsis region with the orographic clouds in color.
(all images: 10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS @0.08´´/p f/60 R-sG-B).
Ralf Vandebergh
This image taken Oct 7, 03:01 UTC shows very fine detail across the whole
image. The flake-shaped structures across the Tharsis-Tractus Albus area is
not noise but a real network of fine detail. Note a very small canal-structure
between Phoenicis Lacus and Tithonius Lacus. Also several other fine structures
in this region can be seen.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS @ 0.08"/p f/60 R-sG-B).
Ralf Vandebergh
The IR 670-1000nm shots show all 3 a some what brighter area with an elongated
shape in the North, located around Arcadia region. The resulting IRGB image
in color shows an interesting view of this reddish area.
Christophe Pellier found that this must be the area of Volcano Alba Patera, a
large northern Volcano of the Tharsis area, which was best seen previous
oppositions in the 90's (especially 99)
All images taken with: 10 inch Newtonian & ATK-.1HS @ f/70 )
Ralf Vandebergh
Saturday, 08th of October 2005
Seeing was fair-good,transparance very good,still some haze. Note the typical
beautiful cyan color of the NPH. There is some haze visible from the NPH,
spreading out over a larger part of the northern limb in a wavy structure.
The atmospheric view, blue light image, shows a lot of cloud activity. Most
obvious indeed the orographic cloud in the Arsia region, but there is much
more cloud especially directly below Solis Lacus in the Tharsis region.
These clouds are a bit less contrasty then the Arsia cloud is.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS @ 0.08"/p f/60
Ralf Vandebergh
A second RGB result taken from 02:09-02:12 UTC
Ralf Vandebergh
This image from Oct 8, from 01:58-02:01 UTC is added with a High Contrast
luminance blue light layer to enhance the visibility of the cloud activity
in the Tharsis region. The Arsia volcano cloud is as a very bright large
area visible next to the limb.
The 'extension' of this area, another band of clouds is visible directly
below Tithonius Lacus also in the Tharsis region. The smaller HC blue light
images shows almost only the atmospheric view. Note in the L(blue)R-sG-B
image also the concentrated edges of Achillis Fons/Idacus Fons, just near
the terminator.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS @ 0.08"/p f/60 L-RGB).
Ralf Vandebergh
Sunday, 09th of October 2005
Date (UT): 9 October 2005 Time (UT): 01:44h
CM: 74° H: 59° Dec: 16°36'22"
De: -11° Ls: 303° φ: 18.8"
Telescope: Schmidt-Cassegrain 280 (f/25)
Seeing: (0-10 scale) 7-8 Trans.: (0-6) 5-6
(10 = excellent)
Magnification: 330x / 350x
Filters: Schott: OG 550 orange
Wratten: W 64 blue/green
W 80a blue
W 85 salmon
Observer Station: Observer:
7° 18' (E) / 48° 01' (N) Teichert Gérard
Hattstatt (France)
Observing notes:
-The SPC is tiny
-A white cloud is located above PHAESTHONTIS (1)
-White cloud eastern of NILIACUS LACUS (2)
-The NPH appeared bright
I work up at 2:30 AM and the sky was clear!!
Here is one of several from this morning.
TMB 8" F/9
2X into 3X barlow
Atik cameras
Seeing 7-8/10
6:37- 6:40 UT Oct 9, 2005
This is with color Atik camera
I work up at 2:30 AM and the sky was clear!!
Here is one of several from this morning.
TMB 8" F/9
2X into 3X barlow
Atik cameras
Seeing 7-8/10
6:37- 6:40 UT Oct 9, 2005
This is Color image plus B&W image (Dave's Technique)
Ramiro Hernández Banda , Saltillo, Mx
8" SC Celestron telescope, eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter
Haze everywhere, clouds over south pole, visible, Olympus Volcano, Syrenium.
Diameter: 18.82", -1.9 mag, Phase Angle: 0.95,
UT=6:60, CM Central Meridian=143.3 deg.
Monday, 10th of October 2005
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 10th, 2005.
D. A. Peach. Loudwater, Buckinghamshire, UK.
14" (35cm) Celestron SCT @ f/39.5.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing poor occ fair (Pickering 2-5.)
Transparency excellent (6.0mag.)
Wind SW (5-10mph.) Moderate dew.
Alt= 55 degs.
Here are some images from this morning. Again poor seeing with occassional
fair moments near the end.
Some interesting detail in Blue. A bright cloud is present near the SPC. The
Arsia cloud is weak extending into a morning limb haze. Note the line feature
on the disk - this is not a CCD artefact as Mars moved around on the chip
quite a bit during the capture. Some notable clouds again over Tharsis
extending into Ophir/Candor. A weak evening cloud is present over Aram. The
NPH appears dense over Acidalium.
In Red note the partial obscuration of Nilokeras, probably associated with
the thick NPH. Also various "nuclei" in Melas/Tithonius Lacus.
Attached is an observation (RGB and blue light) from last night, Oct 10th.
Mostly poor-fair seeing,but with some short good moments. As seen in the
HC blue image, the clouds just below Tithonius Lacus are still present and
very obvious. There is some space visible now between these, and the Arsia
orographic cloud which is in the image next to the limb. Further there is
some structure visible in and around the SPC.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS @ 0.08"/p f/60--R-sG-B).
Ralf Vandebergh
I use a 12.5-inch x f/6 Newtonian with eyepiece projection to F/60 (750
inches EFL) and a ToUCam Pro 840, processing with Registax3 (430 frames)
CM=165
Wycliffe Hoffler
Titusville, FL
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
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 11th, 2005.
D. A. Peach. Loudwater, Buckinghamshire, UK.
14" (35cm) Celestron SCT @ f/39.5.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing poor (Pickering 3-4.) Jestream.
Transparency good (5.0mag) mist/haze.
Wind SSE (5-10mph.) Heavy dew.
Alt= 55 degs.
Here are some images from Oct 11th. Poor seeing yet again, with the
jetstream close by. Similar details to yesterday with some changes.
The southern polar cloud of yesterday is less prominent, and some
interesting clumpy cloudiness is present within the NPH. Northern
Nilokeras remians obscured in Red. Chryse is dusky in Red. Weak
clouds over Tharsis into Candor/Ophir. The Arsia cloud is not
present toward the evening limb.
Sketch of Mars, Oktober 11 2005 / 23.15 UT
Meade ETX 105 Mak with Vixen Zoom 24-8 @ x150
With filter Baader Contrast Booster
Seeing 3/5 &$151; Trans 2.5/5
Seeing is poor, with moments of average seeing.
Rony De Laet, Bekkevoort, Belgium (Sea Level)
http://www.geocities.com/rodelaet
Ramiro Hernández Banda
Saltillo, Mx
8" SC telescope, eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter, Registax
UT=7:20 , CM= 137°, Phase=96%, Diameter=19" .
Orographic clouds over Ascraeus, Pavonis and Arsia Mons, Olympus Mons Visible
Wednesday, 12th of October 2005
Taken in very poor seeing conditions/very good transp, surprised there is
still some interesting detail visible. There are some very weak streaks
visible right of Lunae Lacus and Idacus Lacus in the Tractus Albus region.
Also in the region Arcadia are some dark streaks visible. The bad blue image
causes that the NPH is not very contrasty in this result.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS1 0.08"/p f/60).
Ralf Vandebergh
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
Here is an image from last night taken under fair seeing conditions.
The blue light image shows again the cloud near the SPC.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS@ f/35 IRGB)
Ralf Vandebergh
Friday, 14th of October 2005
TMB 8" F/9
See4ing 7-8/10
Atik color camera
Registax
4:27 - 4:30 UT Oct 14, 2005
Jim Phillips
Charleston, SC
USA
TMB 8" F/9
See4ing 7-8/10
Atik color camera
Registax
4:34 - 4:37 UT Oct 14, 2005
Jim Phillips
Charleston, SC
USA
TMB 8" F/9
See4ing 7-8/10
Atik color camera
Registax
5:27- 5:31 UT October 14, 2005
Jim Phillips
Charleston, SC
USA
TMB 8" F/9
See4ing 7-8/10
Atik color camera
Registax
6:48 - 6:51 UT October 14, 2005
Jim Phillips
Charleston, SC
USA
These pictures were taken in Augsburg Germany with a C11 using a 13mm
Plössl for projection and a toucam pro 740.
Seeing 4-7 (pickering)
Transparency: slight fog
Baader UV/IR filter
Have been looking at your fantastic pictures as comparison to mine since the
2003 opposition. Heard about the dust storm reported on October 14 and thought
it might be of help to contribute my images for clarity concerning this event.
Have taken images on the following 2 days for further reference.
Juergen Riedmann
Here is an image from last night taken under fair seeing conditions.
The blue light image shows again the cloud near the SPC.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS@ f/35 IRGB)
Ralf Vandebergh
Mars Oct 14, 2005 01:52 UTC 10 in Newton & ATK-1HS f/35 LRGB
Note the center of Solis Lacus,almost in relief near the limb)
Ralf Vandebergh
Date + Time: Oct 14, 2005 / 2:49 UT
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Telescope: Astro-Physics 10" f/14.6 Mak-Cass working @ f/45
(eff. focal length: 11400mm)
Tools: Baader-Planetarium Fluorit Flatfield Converter
Camera: Firewire Video Camera DMK 21BF04 with SBIG RGB filterset
and Baader IR pass filter
Exposure Time(s): 1/34 sec. each frame
Notes:
Central Meridian 44.4°
φ 19.3"
Distance from Earth 72.5 mio. km
Phase: 0.966
Brightness -2.0mag
Stefan
http://www.astromeeting.de
Saturday, 15th of October 2005
Chip Gentry
2005-Oct-15 07:11 UT
Austin, TX
ToUCam/Celestron C-14 356mm SCT with 2X barlow
1/50 sec exposure, 10 fps
Date (UT): 15 October 2005 Time (UT): 01:28h
CM: 16° H: 59° Dec: 16°37'05"
De: -12° Ls: 306° φ: 19.4"
Telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain 280 (f/25)
Seeing: (0-10 scale) 6 Trans.: (0-6) 5 hazy, moon
(10 = excellent)
Magnification: 330x / 350x
Filters: Schott: OG 550 orange
Wratten: W 64 blue/green
W 80a blue
W 85 salmon
Observer Station: Observer:
7° 18' (E) / 48° 01' (N) Teichert Gérard
Hattstatt (France)
Observing notes:
-The Martian atmosphere is less transparent than usual
-White cloud is located northern of SYRTIS MAJOR (1)
-Evening clouds at the affing of OPHIR, SINAI and eastern of TAUMASIA (2)
These pictures were taken in Augsburg Germany with a C11 using a 13mm
Plössl for projection and a toucam pro 740.
Seeing 4-5 (pickering)
Transparency: slight fog
Baader UV/IR filter
A huge hole in the NPH has formed over Mare Acidalium since (my images)
yesterday.
Juergen Riedmann
5-inch Tele Vue NP127 refractor
Mars Olympus Mons and clouds in Tharsis Region
near the terminator.
Sketch of Mars, Oktober 15 2005 / 22.55 UT
Meade ETX 105 Mak with Vixen Zoom 24-8 @ x150
With filter Baader Contrast Booster
Seeing 2.5/5 — Trans : hard to tell with a near full moon
Seeing is poor, with rare moments of good seeing.
Rony De Laet, Bekkevoort, Belgium (Sea Level)
http://www.geocities.com/rodelaet
Mars Oct 15, 2005 from 03:11-03:16 UTC. Seeing fair.
Obvious already during live capturing in the blue light is a bulbous
lightening over the right side of the planet, with the edge over Juventae
Fons. The strange 'cloud' near the SPC, were this seems to start or end,
and not seems to rotate with the planet, was more elongated and fainter now.
The bright side did rotate with the planet.
(10 inch Newton & ATK-1HS @ f/35).
Ralf Vandebergh
Sunday, 16th of October 2005
These pictures were taken in Augsburg Germany with a C11 using a 13mm
Plössl for projection and a toucam pro 740.
Seeing 4-5 (pickering)
Transparency: slight fog
Baader UV/IR filter
Hole in the NPH has moved polewards since (my images) yesterday.
Juergen Riedmann
Mars imaged with intermittent "earth clouds" passing through, view of Solis
Lacus region. Note the prominent and small clouds near the southern polar
area; minimal exposure of the NP hood at this longitude, and this restricted
to very high northern latitudes, except for very bright and large knot/cloud
near terminator.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Sketch of Mars, Oktober 16 2005 / 20.45 UT
Meade ETX 105 Mak with Vixen Zoom 24-8 @ x180
With filter Baader Contrast Booster
Seeing 2.5/5 – Trans : full moon
Seeing is poor, with moments of average seeing.
Rony De Laet, Bekkevoort, Belgium (Sea Level)
http://www.geocities.com/rodelaet
Monday, 17th of October 2005
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 17th, 2005.
D. A. Peach. Loudwater, Buckinghamshire, UK.
14" (35cm) Celestron SCT @ f/39.5.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing fair to poor (Pickering 5-3.)
Transparency fair (2.0-3.0mag) mist/haze/sctt low clouds.
Wind SE (5-10mph.) Heavy dew.
Alt= 50-55 degs.
Here are some images from last night. Fair to poor seeing.
Some interesting detail in Blue light. A clumpy evening cloud is present over
Libya/Southern Syrtis Major. Hellas is free of mist. The NPH is again thick
extending over Acidalium. Note the detail around the SPC in red.
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 17th, 2005.
D. A. Peach. Loudwater, Buckinghamshire, UK.
14" (35cm) Celestron SCT @ f/39.5.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing fair to poor (Pickering 5-3.)
Transparency fair (2.0-3.0mag) mist/haze/sctt low clouds.
Wind SE (5-10mph.) Heavy dew.
Alt= 50-55 degs.
Here are some images from last night. Fair to poor seeing.
Some interesting detail in Blue light. A clumpy evening cloud is present
over Libya/Southern Syrtis Major. Hellas is free of mist. The NPH is again
thick extending over Acidalium. Note the detail around the SPC in red.
Here are images of Mars taken October 17th 2005 from Houston Texas.
Note the dust cloud feature in Chryse.
C14 at f/39,taken with a ST402 CCD. Seeing 8/10, Transp. 8/10, Temp 65.7F,
Relative Humidity 67%, Red/Grn/Blu @ 80% scale.
Ed Grafton
Mars this morning under not so steady skies, temps dropping 42 degrees
overnight. Some small blue-white patches of cloud or fog noted in the
Chryse/Lunae Palus region; the North Polar Hood has anything but retreated
in this longitudinal expanse, encroaching far southward into the Zanthe area.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Sketch of Mars, Oktober 17 2005 / 21.00 UT
Meade ETX 105 Mak with Vixen Zoom 24-8 @ x180
With filter Baader Contrast Booster
Seeing 2.0/5 – Trans : full moon
Seeing is poor, with moments of average seeing.
Rony De Laet, Bekkevoort, Belgium (Sea Level)
http://www.geocities.com/rodelaet
Tuesday, 18th of October 2005
Here are images of Mars taken October 18th 2005 from Houston Texas.
The dust cloud has moved south quite a bit since yesterday and several
core concentrations are visible in Eos.
C14 at f/39,taken with a ST402 CCD. Seeing 7/10, Transp. 7/10, Temp
68.7F, Relative Humidity 69%, Red/Grn/Blu @ 80% scale.
Ed Grafton
Obtained with a Unitron 4" F/15 refractor (circa 1976)
Using a 2X Barlow
RGB Data: Stack of 90 images in each channel
Time: Centered on 02:15 ut
Date: Oct. 18,2005
CM: 358
Camera: Meade DSI Pro
Note: Image taken under very difficult conditions.
All data was obtained through high thin clouds.
James Hannon
Thomaston, Conn.
TMB 8" F/9
2X Barlow into 3X Barlow
Seeing 7/10
7:00 - 7:03 UT October 18, 2005
Jim Phillips
A new image clearly showing the beautiful and intense yellow dust cloud in
southern Chryse
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
10-18-05, 3:04 UT
IRRGB, 7" MN @f/50
Seeing: very poor (surprised it came out this good!)
Sean W.
Wednesday, 19th of October 2005
My image taken on 10/19/2005 shows the dust activity in the same general
area as images posted recently on www.skyandtelescope.com . The storm
obscures much of Aurorae Sinus, near Mare Erythraeum. I would appreciate
confirmation of dust activity on my image from other observers. I am still
processing images taken 24 hours later as we speak, and will send them as
soon as they are ready. Good observing to all!
Donald R. Bates
Chief Observation Officer
Cypress Creek Station
95.6 deg. West Longitude
30.0 deg. North Latitude
Houston, Texas USA
Here are images of Mars taken October 19th 2005 from Houston Texas.
The main thrust of the cloud continues to move north has and moved into
Valles Marineris.
C14 at f/39,taken with a ST402 CCD. Seeing 7/10, Transp. 7/10, Temp 70.5F,
Relative Humidity 72%.
Ed Grafton
The dust Storm has changed, It is now an irregular serpentine streak.
TMB 8" F/9
2X into 3X Barlow
Seeing 8-9/10
7:09- 7:13 UT October 19, 2005
Jim Phillips
Very notable and curious changes in the dust "event" in Chryse in just the
past 24 hours; note that the characteristic "V" shape of Oct. 18 has totally
given way for a more linear, streak-like feature which is somewhat less
pronounced. A comparison image between these two dates is in preparation
showing the remarkable transformation of this feature....will post shortly.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Showing the 24-hour change in the Chryse Dust cloud between Oct. 18 and 19,
centered on CM 50; very interesting comparison showing incredibly rapid
morphological change and area coverage.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Sketch of Mars, Oktober 19 2005 / 21.10 UT
Meade ETX 105 Mak with Vixen Zoom 24-8 @ x180
With filter Baader Contrast Booster
Seeing 2.5 / 5 Trans 3.5 / 5
Seeing is poor, with moments of average seeing.
A strong wind makes observing difficult.
Rony De Laet, Bekkevoort, Belgium (Sea Level)
http://www.geocities.com/rodelaet
Ramiro Hernández Banda , Saltillo, Mx
8" SC Celestron telescope, qwickcam + eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter.
Dust storm leaves a new eye for mars in Chryse .
Diameter: 19.8" , -2.1 mag, Phase Angle:0.98, UT=6:55, CM Central Meridian=59 deg.
Here images taken of approximately the same CM, first was captured 10-18,
3:04 UT, while the second is from 10:19, 3:52 UT.
Poor seeing both nights.
7" MN @f/50, ToUcam pro 740
IR+R/G/B
Sean Walker
I use a 12.5-inch x f/6 Newtonian with eyepiece projection to F/60 (750
inches EFL) and a ToUCam Pro 840, processing with Registax3 (402 frames)
0847 UT
CM=85
Wycliffe Hoffler
Titusville, FL
Thursday, 20th of October 2005
Here are images of Mars taken October 20th 2005 from Houston Texas.
The dust cloud has spilled out of Valles Marineris and a few
concentrated dust cores are occupying Mare Erthraeum along with
a generalized dustiness.
C14 at f/39,taken with a ST402 CCD. Seeing 6/10, Transp. 7/10, Temp 71.4F,
Relative Humidity 71%.
Ed Grafton
Series of three images, Oct. 18, 19, 20, showing the 36 hour rapid
transformation, motion and spreading of the dust cloud on Mars; although
the seeing conditions have been quite poor, the cloud can be followed
in its transformation.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Mars image from 2005/10/20 13:30 UT, imaged from Nagoya, Japan.
Clouds over the Tharsis region can be seen in the image.
Robert Heffner
Nagoya, Japan
I was able to capture another image of the dust storm. Seeing still very poor.
7" MN @f/50, ToUcam pro 740
IR+R/G/B
Sean Walker
Friday, 21st of October 2005
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 21-22nd, 2005.
D. Peach. Selsey, W. Sussex, UK
9.25" (23.5cm) Celestron SCT @ f/42.0.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing again fair to poor (Pickering 6-3.)
Transparency very good (6.0mag) scatt low clouds.
Wind very gusty SW (15-30mph.) No dew.
Alt= 50-55 degs.
Here are some Mars images from October 21-22nd. The first of two nights at
Sir Patrick's Moore's home on the south coast of the UK.
The first set with Syrtis Major central is from the C9.25 hand focused.
Seeing was fair.
The second set is quite a special one, being taken with Patrick's historic
15" F/5.9 Fullerscopes newtonian. This telescope is famous among anyone who
has ever read his books, with him often being picture alongside it. He made
many observations of Mars, and the other Planets with this telescope and it
though having observed before through this telescope, it was a special moment
to obtain some images of Mars with this historic telescope. Selsey astronomer
Ian Sharp and Myself combined efforts for the second set of images from the
newtonian under poorer seeing.
Here are images of Mars taken October 21th 2005 from Houston Texas. The
dust storm had moved farther South and West into Solas Lacus and deeper
into Mare Erthraeum. Several dust cores can be seen in these areas
against a general backdrop of yellow dustiness. In this image the
North Polar Hood is very prominent. The red deserts, blue polar and
limb clouds and the yellow dust storm are quite impressive.
C14 at f/39,taken with a ST402 CCD. Seeing 6/10, Transp. 7/10, Temp 73.4F,
Relative Humidity 73%.
Ed Grafton
An animation prepared from ASO images (Oct. 18, 19, 20 and 21); the face of
Mars is changing remarkably and quickly as the dust moves over and settles
in some places and transits others; the storm is basically heading south and
thinning, but spreading greatly in terms of surface areas.
Photo .gif with 1700 images for each night, 1/20th sec via TouCam with
the ASO 0.4m RC @ f/32; seeing pretty variable and typically poor.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Please find attached a montage showing Mars near CM 50 or thereabouts
for the past four mornings, Oct. 18, 19, 20 and 21; the development,
motion and distribution of the new yellow dust storm can well be appreciated
in this sequence.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Ramiro Hernández Banda , Saltillo, Mx
8" SC Celestron telescope, QuickCam + eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter.
Dust storm spreads over all the martian surface
Diameter: 19.9" , -2.1 mag, Phase:0.98, UT=6:13, CM Central Meridian=32 deg.
Saturday, 22nd of October 2005
Sunday, 23rd of October 2005
Observer : Christian Woehler
Instrument : Orion TS 200/1200 mm Newton reflector
Camera : Philips ToUCam Pro CCD Webcam
Location : Heroldstatt, Germany
Date (UT) : October 23, 2005
Time (UT) : 05:48
CM (degrees) : 7.8
Focal length : 4200 mm
Scale : 0.19"/pixel (top)
1 degree long./lat. per pixel (bottom, map projection)
Filter : RG 610
Stacked images: 3200, best 40% selected
Seeing : 3/10
Remarks : A part of the ongoing dust storm is visible as a streak
at 40 degrees southern latitude, ranging from about
9 to 72 degrees longitude and probably further to the
west. At the western limb, the dust storm appears as a
bright spot.
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 22-23rd, 2005.
D. Peach. Selsey, W. Sussex, UK
9.25" (23.5cm) Celestron SCT @ f/42.0.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing fair-good (Pickering 5-7.)
Transparency very good (6.0mag) scatt low clouds early.
Wind SW (5-15mph.) Moderate dew.
Alt= 50-55-44 degs.
Here is a long sequence from the second night at Patrick's Moore's home.
The dust was seen near the end of the session over Argyre. Also some dust
over Mare Erythraeum. Nice activity in Blue light with a brilliant NPH.
The yellow dust storm is spreading westward (celestial) and southward on
Mars as indicated in tonight's images and reports by others; clouds prevented
observations of the Solis Lacus region directly, but clearly there is intense
yellow activity on the eastern limb.
More curiously to me at this point is the intense bright spot that first
became evident around October 18 on images here at ASO; it is quite pronounced
and scintillating at about CM 5 deg, and is NOT axially aligned with the NCP
of Mars, but rather offset in relation to the SPC; I do not believe this odd
feature to be a polar cap per se, and indications of brightening could indicate
some transient activity due to solar heating near the pole. This really
deserves careful scrutiny I believe and I look forward to observations and
comments from others.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Another good eye catch by our Mars observing friend Ron; he has take two of
the ASO images (Oct 20 and 23) and animated a short .gif file to demonstrate
the brilliant flash or spot near the Martian northern pole; this is NOT at
the position of the true NPC of Mars, but is rotating with the planet eccentric
to the pole. Note the remarkable shift in the bright white spot in only three
days. The first image is Oct 20 and that unlabeled is Oct 23; there is a
slight difference in longitude, but use common and conspicuous markings to
ascertain this rapid westward motion relative to the other features of Mars.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Ramiro Hernández Banda , Saltillo, Mx
8" SC Celestron telescope, QuickCam + eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter.
Dust storm keeps over martian surface, Erythaerum recovers its previous face
Diameter: 20" , -2.1 mag, Phase:0.98, UT=6:39, CM Central Meridian=20 deg.
Monday, 24th of October 2005
Tuesday, 25th of October 2005
The yellow dust on Mars in become less localized and there appear to be two
major areas of dust activity as seen from the "north America" side of the
planet. Images were obtained in horribly turbulent rapidly cooling air, but the
bright areas of dust were very scintillating visually and thus deemed worthy
of at least capturing these two shots, slightly more than one hour apart.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
I use a 12.5-inch x f/6 Newtonian with eyepiece projection to F/60 (750
inches EFL) and a ToUCam Pro 840, processing with Registax3 (35 frames)
0839 UT
CM=35
Wycliffe Hoffler
Titusville, FL
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
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 25-26th, 2005.
D. Peach. Selsey, W. Sussex, UK
14" (35cm) Celestron SCT @ f/40.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing poor (Pickering 3-4.)
Transparency very good (5.5mag.)
Wind SSE (5-10mph.) Moderate dew.
Alt= 54 degs.
Back home for these images. Seeing poor (like it has been almost every night
this month.) The Elysium hemisphere is presented here at the moment, and no
dust activity is present anywhere on this side of the Planet.
The SPC shows some interesting detail in red, with a possible rift.
Date (UT): 26 October 2005 Time (UT): 22:43h
CM: 200° H: 36° Dec:16°22'08"
De: -14° Ls: 313° φ: 20.1"
Telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain 280 (f/25)
Seeing: (0-10 scale) 4-5 Trans.: (0-6) 5
(10 = excellent)
Magnification: 330x / 350x
Filters: Schott: OG 550 orange
Wratten: W 64 blue/green
W 80a blue
W 85 salmon
Observer Station: Observer:
7° 18' (E) / 48° 01' (N) Teichert Gérard
Hattstatt (France)
Observing notes:
-No details can be seen on the SPC !
-A whitte cloud is localed above HELLAS (1)
-The Martian atmosphere is less transparent than usual !
-The NPH can be seen very well (filter W 80a blue)
A few images from this morning, showing multiple segments to the North
Polar Hood, with two apparent bright knots as previously noted; perhaps
the segmentation is due to prevailing circulation since separation appears
latitude-specific. There appear to be three bright areas of yellow clouds
or dust, although none appear to be of significant density.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Thursday, 27th of October 2005
MARS IMAGES, OCTOBER 27th, 2005.
D. Peach. Loudwater, Buckinghamshire, UK.
14" (35cm) Celestron SCT @ f/40.
Lumenera LU075M CCD camera.
Seeing very poor (Pickering 2-3.)
Transparency very good (5.5mag.) occ clouds.
Wind S (5-10mph.) Moderate dew.
Alt= 48 degs.
Here are some images from the 27th. Very poor seeing. The blue syrtis cloud
seems to be present in this set of images though i didnt verify it at the
eyepiece.
Here is a set I took last night almost midnight my time. I have been watching
the dust clouds develop with much interest through many of your images. On
mine this morning I note the notable dust band in the South visible in all
wavelengths suggesting the dust has reached the upper atmosphere. It does not
appear to have yet reached Hellas in my opinion, based on the fact that the
band in blue does not go that far.
I do note some disturbances in Oxia Palus, Margeritfer Sinus, Mare Erythreaum
and perhaps Chryse. There are hints of obscuration in the green and red image,
but not blue. Mostly however, I note a haze over the entire region, notable
on the RGB image resulting in reduced contrasts.
Dave Moore
Some dust in the southern regions of Chryse does appear, although seemingly
thin; this spreads southward. Interesting diagonal "wave of darkening" seen
in the northern regions along with some high think N. Polar haze... Overall
pretty variable seeing conditions persist; there are very brief moments of
incredible clarity, but only on the order of 3-5 seconds maximum.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Sketch of Mars, Oktober 27 2005 / 21.00 UT
Meade ETX 105 Mak with Vixen Zoom 24-8 @ x180
With orange filter
Seeing 2.5 / 5 —
Rony De Laet, Bekkevoort, Belgium (Sea Level)
http://www.geocities.com/rodelaet
Ramiro Hernández Banda , Saltillo, México.
8" SC Celestron telescope, QuickCam + eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter.
Ring of haze or dust visible in the south pole
Diameter: 20.1" , -2.1 mag, Phase:0.99, UT=4:45, CM Central Meridian=318 deg.
Friday, 28th of October 2005
Date (UT): 28 October 2005 Time (UT): 02:12h
CM: 271° H: 50° Dec:16°19'29"
De: -14° Ls: 314° φ: 20.2"
Telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain 280 (f/25)
Seeing: (0-10 scale) 4-5 Trans.: (0-6) 4 hazy
(10 = excellent)
Magnification: 330x / 350x
Filters: Schott: OG 550 orange
Wratten: W 64 blue/green
W 80a blue
W 85 salmon
Observer Station: Observer:
7° 18' (E) / 48° 01' (N) Teichert Gérard
Hattstatt (France)
Observing notes:
-The SPC can hardly be seen
-The Martian atmosphere is less transparent than usual !
-HELLAS is fading
There is an incredibly brilliant outbreak, perhaps yellow dust, between
Margaritifer Sinus and Sinus Meridiani this morning, this developing from a
minor yellow cloud just 24 hours ago. This feature is so bright that it is
difficult to accurately image it without greatly underexposing the rest of
the Martian features surrounding it. Note the (at least) seven (7) "fingers"
or extensions that seem to radiate or spread outward from a large central
area of unprecedented intensity. This odd area was first noted early this
morning by Frank Melilo and Joel Warren and as it has rotated into view I
believe that it has actually rapidly intensified in brightness. Hopefully
west coast (USA) observers will get this as well.
I would appreciate the opinions and input of others, but honestly with the
symmetry of the radiations emanating from this bright spot, I am not sure
that we cannot rule out a catastrophic outflow, similar to that of eruption
or even impact in nature. This does appear, because of the concentration
in brilliance and the rapidity of development, to be extraordinary in nature.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Just this morning a major event has happened on Mars, something that will be
quite obvious and plainly visible in even small telescopes from the western
hemisphere for about the next week, observing around 05:00 UT (midnight local
time Central). On the meridian is a huge yellow "cloud" or outgassing that is
brighter than any known feature of the planet. It has developed rapidly in
only 24 hours from a small point of light to an intense area of coverage with
7 appendages that are stretching in all directions; estimates by Joel Warren
indicate that the cloud (?) is approaching 700-800 miles across at this time
and is spreading at a speed of some 35 MPH.
NOTE that the Mars Rover OPPORTUNITY is just north and east of this point....
they are actually tasking the Rover for images today. Unfortunately this is
not visible during nighttime hours for observers in Europe, Australia, etc.
I have posted two images showing this feature, one showing the incredible
sight as it rotates into view this morning, Oct. 28; the other image shows
a comparison of the major changes that have taken place in ONLY 24 hours
from Oct 27 to Oct 28.
Dr. Clay
--------------------
Arkansas Sky Observatories
A very fine animation of my ASO images by Ron who has put into motion the
view of the new outbreak on Mars from this morning; as some have suggested,
I do believe that the feature is intensifying over time and that it did so in
the time frame of this sequence. Using a densitometer, there appears to be
little if no obliquity changes of other limb features either south or north of
this as the feature rotates into view, but the outbreak brightens substantially.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Saturday, 29th of October 2005
Here is my preliminary images from this morning. I have three other sets to
process, but are from an earlier time. This set shows the dust disturbance
best as it is the last set taken for the morning. I wanted to keep going,
but the ole body said 20 hours was enough!
The dust is strong in green light and is showing on the RGB with a slight
greenish twinge to it. I doubt this is normal, but a result of processing. It
does show up easily though because of this.
Dust activity has quieted down from the day before, but still strongly visible
and appears to be terrain following. The activity is barely or not visible at
all in blue, indicating the dust did not make it into the upper atmosphere.
The dust remnant form last weeks activity is still visible to the South, but
is breaking up and dissipating. It is still visible in blue so may take a
while to totally disappear.
Dave Moore
Showing a somewhat weakening yellow dust disturbance that was prominent
between Sinus Meridiani and Margaritifer Sinus. High contrast inset image
(lower right) demonstrates the true nature of the bright core cloud. Image
in moments of very good seeing. Note the very bright blue clouds within the
northern polar regions as well as the odd diagonal darkening wave that persists.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Composite of three dates centered at near Martian Longitude 350 deg.,
demonstrating the pre-, maximum-, and current distribution and outbreak of
the remarkable dust event of October 28. Dates are Oct. 27, 28, and 29;
from the latter image note that the intensity and concentration of this feature
has subsided and distribution of the dust appears to be commencing, leading
it seems to less density and concentration than during the Oct. 28 sudden
intensification of this area.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Sunday, 30th of October 2005
There is another outburst on Mars. It has encroached onto Sinus Meridiani.
Here is a Red image hot off the press along with a comparison image from
the 29th of October.
Dave Moore
Date (UT): 30 October 2005 Time (UT): 01:24h
CM: 242° H: 54° Dec:16°14'05"
De: -14° Ls: 315° φ: 20.2"
Telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain 280 (f/25)
Seeing: (0-10 scale) 6 Trans.: (0-6) 5
(10 = excellent)
Magnification: 330x / 350x
Filters: Schott: OG 550 orange
Wratten: W 64 blue/green
W 80a blue
W 85 salmon
Observer Station: Observer:
7° 18' (E) / 48° 01' (N) Teichert Gérard
Hattstatt (France)
Observing notes:
-The SPC is difficult to see
-AUSONIA is clear of dust (1)
Date (UT): 30 October 2005 Time (UT): 21:32h
CM: 176° H: 47° Dec: 16°12'45"
De: -14° Ls: 316° φ: 20.2"
Telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain 280 (f/25)
Seeing: (0-10 scale) 5-6 Trans.: (0-6) 5
(10 = excellent)
Magnification: 330x / 350x
Filters: Schott: OG 550 orange
Wratten: W 64 blue/green
W 80a blue
W 85 salmon
Observer Station: Observer:
7° 18' (E) / 48⪚ 01' (N) Teichert Gérard
Hattstatt (France)
Observing notes:
-The SPC could not be seen
-Bright SPOT in the ERIDANIA (1)
-The NPH is small
Images of Mars in the Cousins I band and a color image made from
BVI filter images. Obtained with the Michigan State University
60-cm telescope diaphragmed to 20 cm to prevent overexposure on the
Apogee Ap47p CCD. Seeing 4-5/10.
Clouds rolled in before "the view" rotated into good position this morning,
but some evidence of the Sinus Meridiani event is evident on the limb.
Poor and variable pre-frontal seeing conditions persisted.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod
Arkansas Sky Observatories
Attached are my observations from last night/this morning. My images show
the same "brick reddish" patch southeast of the advancing dust storm that
David Moore reported.
Observer : Víctor Ramírez Mödinger
Instrument : Meade LX50 10"
Camera : Philips ToUCam Pro
Location : Santiago de Chile
Date (UT) : October 30, 2005
Time (UT) : 06:28
Filter : Baader IR Blocking Filter
Stacked images: 2400, best 1500 selected
Seeing : 5/10
Monday, 31st of October 2005
Taken with a 16" f/4.5 Newt. using a 2x Barlow.
Camera Meade DSI Pro.
Date Oct. 31, 2005
Time: Centered on 01:51 UT
CM 239
Stack of 281 images in RGB
Taken with a 16" f/4.5 Newt. using a 2x Barlow.
Camera Meade DSI Pro.
Date Oct. 31, 2005
Time: Centered on 04:15 UT
CM 274
Stack of 576 images in RGB
Taken with a 16" f/4.5 Newt. using a 2x Barlow.
Camera Meade DSI Pro.
Date Oct. 31, 2005
Time: Centered on 06:26 UT
CM 309
Stack of 573 images in RGB
Observer : Mick Hyde
Instrument : Celestron 9.25 SCT
Camera : Philips ToUCam Pro II CCD Webcam
Location : Swindon, Wiltshire, UK
Date (UT) : October 31, 2005
Time (UT) : 22:51
Ramiro Hernández Banda , Saltillo, México.
8" SC Celestron telescope, QuickCam + eyepiece projection UV/IR cut off filter.
South polar cap, no visible, new features in Syrtis Major
Diameter: 20.2" , -2.1 mag, Phase:0.99, UT=5:05, CM Central Meridian=287 deg.
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