Solar & Planetary LtE Now for CMO/ISMO #82 (CMO #456)

 Not every email is necessarily cited in the PDF’s CMO LtE

To see the preceding ones, click

 LtE#455

CMO/ISMO Index Page

The latest is at the top

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/16 1639UT CM180 IR

Received: 17 November 2016 at 03:02 JST

 

Hi all,

A rather poor IR capture, taken through fairly thick cloud and my last capture for a while.

I leave for the UK tomorrow and will return home on 5 December, when I hope to continue imaging. I will be meeting with Martin Lewis and David Arditti who are on this circulation list next Tuesday and I am looking forward to the interaction and discussion.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161116/CFs16Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/15 1441UT CM161 IR

Received: 16 November 2016 at 02:13 JST

 

Hi all,

Conditions too poor for a colour image. Attached IR capture with Mare Sirenum prominent above centre.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161115/CFs15Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 13 November 2016

Received: 15 November 2016 at 20:42 JST

 

Dear Dr.Minami,

Attached here is my latest image of Mars captured under poor seeing condition as lately. Now is the same season λ=260゜Ls as the greatest global Dust Storm outbroke on 21/22 September 1971.

   GOOD Seeing!

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161113/Kn13Nov16.jpg

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 19

Received: 15 November 2016 at 09:04 JST

 

Average seeing,
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160919/PMx19Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars: November 13, 2016

Received: 14 November 2016 at 09:55 JST

 

Hi,

  I have attached my latest image of Mars November 13, 2016 at 22:05 UT.

  Thanks,

  http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161113/FMl13Nov16.jpg

 

 Frank J MELILLO (Holtsville, NY)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/13 1513UT CM188

Received: 14 November 2016 at 05:19 JST

 

Hi all,

Mars capture from this afternoon with the planet now at 7”. Similar orientation as yesterday. Despite the forecast better weather, seeing was below average.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161113/CFs13Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mo03 05 06Nov_16

Received: 13 November 2016 at 23:03 JST

 

Mars images on 3, 5, 6 November 2016.

  http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161103/Mo03Nov16.jpg

  http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161105/Mo05Nov16.jpg

  http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161106/Mo06Nov16.jpg

 

Yukio MORITA (Hiroshima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars: November 12, 2016

Received: 13 November 2016 at 10:06 JST

 

Hi,

  I have attached my latest image of Mars November 12, 2016 at 22:07 UT.

  Thanks,

  http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161112/FMl12Nov16.jpg

 

 Frank J MELILLO (Holtsville, NY)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 18

Received: 13 November 2016 at 08:21 JST

 

Average seeing,
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160918/PMx18Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/12 1402UT CM181

Received: 13 November 2016 at 00:50 JST

 

Hi all,

Our severe drought conditions have been replaced by severe afternoon thunderstorms, with some serious flooding in and around the Johannesburg and Pretoria area. Fortunately I have not experienced any damage myself, but was up at midnight on Wednesday during a particularly bad storm to check that the observatory was ok! Clearer conditions are forecast tomorrow, but then cloud and more storms are expected for a few days thereafter. I am hoping I can get at least a few more captures before I leave for the UK on Thursday.

This was the only capture I could get this afternoon. A very quick colour capture as the clouds split and then closed over. There was not even time for an IR capture.

We are at Ls 260.  Mare Sirenum and Mare Cimmerium are still visible, indicating that conditions remain relatively clear on this side of Mars.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161112/CFs12Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 17

Received: 11 November 2016 at 04:24 JST

 

Average seeing, boring planet.
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160917/PMx17Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Solar images 6-Nov-2016

Received: 10 November 2016 at 18:39 JST

 

Well here we are at a solar minimal , just a few peripheral scrapings to be had.

Got to put out something for the November of gloom !

 


 

Best wishes and better luck

 

Dave TYLER (Bucks, the UK)

 www.david-tyler.com

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 16

Received: 9 November 2016 at 08:03 JST

 

Unsteady seeing.
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160916/PMx16Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/08 1548UT CM256

Received: 9 November 2016 at 04:22 JST

 

Hi all,

Really poor conditions limited me to an IR capture this afternoon.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161108/CFs08Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 07 November 2016

Received: 8 November 2016 at 20:52 JST

 

Dear Dr.Minami,

Attaching here my latest image of Mars. Slightly better seeing than the last session on 04 November. Major dark markings just discernable, as well as SPC.

    GOOD Seeing!

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161107/Kn07Nov16.jpg

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/07 1548UT CM256

Received: 8 November 2016 at 04:16 JST

 

Hi all,

Mars this afternoon. Poor conditions are continuing. Mare Tyrrhenum and Mare Cimmerium prominent.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161107/CFs07Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: RE: Mars 2016/11/06 1456UT CM253

Received: 7 November 2016 at 03:53 JST

 

Hi all,

Mars capture from this afternoon. Elysium at lower left and the Gale crater extension just visible.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161106/CFs06Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 15

Received: 6 November 2016 at 08:41 JST

 

Average seeing.
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160915/PMx15Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/05 1534UT CM272

Received: 6 November 2016 at 03:44 JST

 

Hi all,

Mars capture from this afternoon.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161105/CFs05Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

 

¤····Subject: solar images October 2016

Received: 6 November 2016 at 00:41 JST

 

Hi Guys Not a great deal going on, but having kept an eye on the GONG website movie, that runs from ones last midnight, I saw a nice prominence on the 28th building rapidly during my window of opportunity. Jousting with clouds I managed to grab a shot about an hour before it unfolded from the solar limb.

 


 

*

 

It can be seen in the GONG archives as a series of stills, if you give it the date and times, you will see what I mean.

What a useful website that is.

 http://halpha.nso.edu/keep/hag/201610/20161028/20161028102014Th.jpg

 

best wishes

 

Dave TYLER (Bucks, the UK)

 www.david-tyler.com

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/04 1610UT CM291

Received: 5 November 2016 at 19:27 JST

 

Hi all,

Mars capture from yesterday afternoon.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161104/CFs04Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Still alive, Mars 04 November 2016

Received: 5 November 2016 at 13:29 JST

 

Dear Dr.Minami,

Here I have attached my latest Mars image. Recent strong winter pressure system over Japan brings us desparing seeing；jet stream-deliverd ceaseless high frequency image peristalsing, with occasional passage of closer devastating upseething air masses smashing up the Martian disk...to be rated 0〜1/10.

　　　Steady Seeing!　

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161104/Kn04Nov16.jpg

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars - November 2nd

Received: 5 November 2016 at 01:53 JST

 

Hi Mr. Minami and All!, Here is my session from november 2nd under average conditions.

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161102/EMr02Nov16.jpg

 

Efrain MORALES RIVERA (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 13

Received: 4 November 2016 at 09:26 JST

 

Poor seeing.
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160913/PMx13Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/03 1618UT CM302

Received: 4 November 2016 at 04:28 JST

 

Hi all,

Conditions are still challenging and this capture was through high cloud. The L image is a 3x 90s derotation. I took quite a few images, and it appears that there are subtle markings in Hellas. The lower(northern) and right(western) section of Hellas appears to be a bit brighter.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161103/CFs03Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars: November 2, 2016

Received: 3 November 2016 at 11:51 JST

 

Hi , 

I have attached my latest image of Mars November 2, 2016 at 21:56 UT.

    Thanks,

 http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161102/FMl02Nov16.jpg

 

 Frank J MELILLO (Holtsville, NY)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars: November 1, 2016

Received: 3 November 2016 at 08:12 JST

 

Hi , 

   I have attached my image of Mars November 1, 2016 at 0:08 UT.

   Thanks,

 http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161101/FMl01Nov16.jpg

 

 Frank J MELILLO (Holtsville, NY)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Neptune 2016.10.28

Received: 3 November 2016 at 05:02 JST

 

Dears,

Short session on Neptune, with probably one bright spot.
Seeing was rather good, but transparency degraded due to strong humidity, which prevented me from switching to Uranus.

 


http://www.astrosurf.com/delcroix/images/planches/n20161028i-22h00.1UT-MDe.png

http://www.astrosurf.com/delcroix/images/planches/n20161028i-21h43.6UT-MDe.png

Steady skies, 

 

Marc DELCROIX (Tournefeuille, FRANCE)

http://astrosurf.com/delcroix

 

 

 

¤····Subject: RE: Dust Storm Season

Received: 2 November 2016 at 23:17 JST

 

Dear Reiichi,

Thank you for your email and kind words. I am amazed and impressed that you still have the stamina and drive to keep on working! In particular thank you for your encouragement for me to continue. I am aware that I still have a lot to learn, but I have really enjoyed what I have done and learned so far. I am doing a lot of reading on Mars  and also have just started reading the Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing(Berry and Burnell), which will take me a while! I feel that it is important that I get a better understanding of the technical issues behind the capture and processing techniques I am using, in order to get the best results.

 

It is humbling for me to read Mars observations and reports dating back to the 80's(and before) by people that are still active in the Mars field. It makes me feel a bit like a "baby Martian" with me having started seriously only on 2014! It has also been exciting for me to build the relationships in South Africa with the UFS and Boyden Observatory/Naval Hill, with its historical Mars connections with Slipher, as well as the 13" Boyden Alvin Clark Refractor with its Mars imaging heritage. One thing I have added to my list of "Things to do" is to try and make a visit to the Lowell and Harvard Observatories in the next few years. I believe that would be an amazing experience for me.

 

 It has also been a highlight for me over the last few years to build the relationships and friendships with fellow "Martians" in the BAA, ALPO and the CMO/ISMO. It really has been a pleasure and a privilege, and I have really appreciated being accepted as a newcomer.

 

I only have two weeks left before I go to the UK with my son for a 2 week visit, returning in the first week of December. Although the primary objective is to introduce my son to the family in England and Scotland (and to take him to a Manchester United game!), I am hoping to meet up with a few BAA contacts whilst I am in London. Richard McKim has kindly signed me a copy of his Mars Dust storm monologue which I will collect when I am there. On my last trip I recall seeing a used copy of Bill Sheehan's book in one of the (amazing) old bookshops, and regret not buying it at the time for my
growing Mars library. I will see if I can find it this time!

 

Finally, regarding Mars, it would be nice if there was some activity in the next two weeks before I leave. Hellas should be visible to me most of this time, so I believe that I am well positioned to monitor that region. The weather conditions here have changed significantly now with a lot of cloud, but I will continue to try and capture whatever data I can. Last apparition I followed Mars down to 4" and I see that Ls300 will be in the middle of January, with Mars still above 5", so I am hoping that I can at least continue until then.

 

I wish you good health and steady seeing conditions. Thank you for our ongoing interaction!

 

Best regards,

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Dust Storm Season

Received: 2 November 2016 at 20:03 JST

 

Dear Clyde,

  Thanks a lot for your concern the other day. I am well, busy in performing daily dental treatment. As for Mars, I still have plenty of fighting spilit, but the weather hasn't been cooperative at all these days.

 We Terrestrial Martians are now in the height of the dust storm season. You may not be happy with the quality of your Mars images taken under poor seeing condition. But they are no bad for the present far and tiny Mars. Maybe they look like "just for the record" ones, but they are valued records...a seemingly mediocre uneventful image can be a positive negative data to verify there have been no occurence of the large dust storm then there. Capturing very initial stage of a global class dust storm activity would be most important. We owe you big time for your outstanding persistence, and the recent running on upload of the images by the ESA's little lovely VMC webcam on board  Mars Express Orbiter as well!

    Best Wishes,


Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/11/01 1627UT CM324

Received: 2 November 2016 at 04:57 JST

 

Hi all,

Slightly better conditions this evening although the capture was through cloud.

Some subtle markings in Hellas may be visible.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161101/CFs01Nov16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 12

Received: 2 November 2016 at 00:58 JST

 

Hi Mr. Minami and All!, Here I submit my session from Oct.29th under average conditions.

prior to this session Venus was taken also.

 


 

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161029/EMr29Oct16.jpg

 

Efrain MORALES RIVERA (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 12

Received: 1 November 2016 at 08:57 JST

 

Average seeing
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160912/PMx12Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/31 1805UT CM358

Received: 1 November 2016 at 04:35 JST

 

Hi all,

This IR capture was all that I could get out this evening. A small gap in the clouds and poor conditions.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161031/CFs31Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Re:: Mars 2016/10/30 1707UT CM343

Received: 31 October 2016 at 11:52 JST

 

Hi Clyde,

 Novus Mons is clearly visible to the left of the SPC.  Also, notice a dark streak just North of the SPC. I think it is caused by sublimation of ice. In previous apparitions the SPC would be surrounded by a mysterious dark collar. It is now understood that it was caused by winds due to sublimation sweeping dust off dark mare. Just North of the dark streak is a bright streak that is bright in your red filter image and not visible in blue. The bright streak probably is a band of dust swept off the mare. Good work! Continue imaging even if the seeing is poor.

 

Jim MELKA (Chesterfield, MO)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/30 1707UT CM343

Received: 31 October 2016 at 03:25 JST

 

Hi all,

I am afraid a rather poor quality set from this evening. I was only able to capture one full 90sec L avi and one IR avi in a gap in the clouds. Seeing was very poor. Despite this I am submitting for the record. Unfortunately my weather forecast is not looking good for the next few days.

Best regards,

(PS: Thanks to those that have given me comments on my last submission)

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161030/CFs30Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Re:Mars 2016/10/27 1424UT CM343

Received: 30 October 2016 at 20:29 JST

 

Dear Clyde,

I also think your 27 October 2016 image almost resolved the Novus Mons (Mountains of Mitchel) on just 7.7" across Martian disk which is clearly shown in the recent Mars Express VMC images：

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/esa_marswebcam/30012263834/

You can find comprehensive descriptions of the shrinking/separating Novus Mons in this Martian season elsewhere in the previous CMO issues such as CMO 2005 Mars Note (10)　“Remnant” Novus Mons：

 http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmomn3/CMO327.pdf

    Good Seeing,

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 11

Received: 30 October 2016 at 12:47 JST

 

Average or better seeing.
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160911/PMx11Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Re: Mars 2016/10/27 1424UT CM343

Received: 29 October 2016 at 11:09 JST

 

Hi Clyde,

In 4 or 5 days Novus Mons will be front and center. 

It will be similar looking to a July 17th 2005 image.

Novus Mons in 2005  

 

Jim MELKA (Chesterfield, MO)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 10

Received: 29 October 2016 at 03:58 JST

 

Average seeing.
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160910/PMx10Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars - October 26th

Received: 29 October 2016 at 03:20 JST

 

Hi Mr. Minami and All!, Here is my only set before the rain showers of Mars on Oct.26th.

Planet Venus was taken just before I started on Mars.

 


http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161026/EMr26Oct16.jpg

 

Efrain MORALES RIVERA (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/27 1424UT CM343

Received: 28 October 2016 at 16:29 JST

 

Hi all,

An early, daylight capture of Mars as a result of the fact that a late afternoon thunderstorm was forecast.

This gave me my first glimpse of the Hellas basin on this rotation. There is a hint of some detail in Hellas in the IR image.

Due to the fact that Mars, at least for the time being, appears calm from a dust storm perspective, I am trying to concentrate on the developments at the SPC. In these images and in the others that I captured, there appears to be 3 sections to the SPC:

a) To the right, there is a less brilliant section, which, based on various comments I have received, may be the Mons Argenteus.

b) the main central section is bright and

c) to the left there appears to be an extension which I have been lead to believe will be the famous(to use Jim’s term!) Novus Mons (Mountains of Mitchel).

This is already an improvement for me from the last apparition where I did not know how to separately process sections of the planet, and  would burn out the SPC in processing, losing detail such as this.

I am away for the weekend for a family commitment, but hope to pick up again on Sunday afternoon when I am back home.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161027/CFs27Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Re: Mars 2016/10/25

Received: 27 October 2016 at 04:43 JST

 

Hi Clyde,

Mons Argenteus is the outlier. The extension to the left of the SPC is Novus Mons (Mountains of Mitchel) the famous outlier that I wrote you about last week. In about a week it will be front and center for you. Good going!

 

Jim MELKA ( Chesterfield, MO)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: RE: RE: Mars 2016/10/21 1618UT CM69

Received: 26 October 2016 at 22:04 JST

 

Dear Reiichi
Thank you for the compliment!

May I in turn compliment you on some of your recent results using your "electronic eyes"!

I don’t think that I would get improved results with longer focal length at this stage purely because of seeing conditions. However, if you don’t try, you will never know! I wish you well, and excellent seeing.
Best regards,

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/25 1605UT CM27

Received: 26 October 2016 at 21:40 JST

 

Hi all,

Conditions were a bit poorer the last two afternoons. Attached my images from yesterday afternoon.

I have been informed that the extension off the norther(lower) edge of the SPC could be the seasonal outlier Argenteus Mons. There may also be some structure on the left of the SPC.

However, I emphasise that seeing was not particularly good.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161025/CFs25Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars - October 24th

Received: 26 October 2016 at 21:38 JST

 

Hi Mr. Minami and All!, Here I submit my session from Oct.24th still under the influence turbulence, rain.

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161024/EMr24Oct16.jpg

 

Efrain MORALES RIVERA (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: The 5 Boyden Observatory asteroids on one photographic plate.

Received: 26 October 2016 at 21:15 JST

 

Dear Friends

The 5 asteroids discovered from Boyden Observatory are all on one photographic plate taken by the ADH telescope on 10 August 1966. The first one was discovered by Dave Andrews and he named it after his wife Mette. The plate was later examined by Henry Debehogne and Roland of Brussels Royal Observatory, CH Bertaud of Paris Observatory and Paul Herget of Minor Planet Center in the United States and 4 more asteroids were discovered. They were named in 2006 by the Boyden Observatory as Paraskevopoulos (Boyden director who brought the observatory from Peru to Bloemfontein in 1927), Alexander Roberts (Scottish missionary to South Africa and prominent variable star observer), Uriah Boyden (donated the funds for establishing of Boyden Observatory) and Mark Shuttleworth (donated funds for an auditorium at Boyden). The asteroids are indicated in brackets.

 

Photo of the plate can be seen on our facebook https://www.facebook.com/boyden123

 

Greetings

 

Dawid Van JAARSVELDT (Bloemfontein, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: RE: Mars 2016/10/21 1618UT CM69

Received: 26 October 2016 at 20:07 JST

 

Hi Clyde,

You look very good on TV!

The brighter area immediately below the SPC in your 21 Oct. image, of which you are wary, I think, is an artifact because no brighter area between SPC and Argyre Planitia was shown in Mars Express VMC's image on the same day：

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/esa_marswebcam/30472646395/

...though SPC itself on your image may reflect the irregular outline of the recent defrosting SPC. I don't have any experience by which I can advise you, but I myself is now trying longer effective focal length(CF/62 or greater)for the smaller Mars, though waiting for the better seeing to know whether it works well.

   Best Regards,

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/23 1554UT CM44

Received: 26 October 2016 at １9:14 JST

 

Hi all,

My image set from 23 October.

Possible suspicion of some type of extension off the SPC? A bright cloud over eastern Acidalium, and possibly a hint of some dust over central/western Acidalium?

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161023/CFs23Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/21 1618UT CM69

Received: 26 October 2016 at 17:25 JST

 

Hi all,

I am busy catching up on my images from the last few days.

 

Seeing conditions continue to be reasonable. In the colour image, I am processing the SPC region separately in order not to burn out or overprocess due to the brightness of the SPC at present. I am wary of the bright area immediately below the SPC and am not sure if this is due to a combination of the small size of Mars, the seeing conditions, the brightness of the SPC and/or optical issues. Any comments from those with more experience that I have would be welcome. There seems to be quite extensive cloud over Mare Acidalium.

 

Due to the recent public interest in the latest ESA mission and my specific interest in Mars, I was privileged, through our local Southern African Astronomical Society (ASSA) to be invited by our national broadcasting corporation (SABC) to do a live TV news interview on Mars on Monday morning(24th). This was my first TV interview, so it was a combination of excitement and nervousness! I hope and think that it went off ok, and for your interest I attach a few images from the interview. For me it certainly was a wonderful experience.

Best regards,

 


 

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161021/CFs21Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars (March 26th.)

Received: 26 October 2016 at 07:49 JST

 

Hi all,

Another session from March. Fair to good seeing. Solis Lacus is prominent.

http://www.damianpeach.com/mars1617/m2016-03-26-RGB.jpg

Best Wishes

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160326/DPc26Mar16.jpg

 

Damian PEACH (Selsey, WS, the UK)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars - October 23rd

Received: 25 October 2016 at 03:56 JST

 

Hi Mr. Minami and All!, Here is my submission fro Oct.23rd under average conditions.

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161022/EMr22Oct16.jpg

 

Efrain MORALES RIVERA (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 24 October 2016

Received: 24 October 2016 at 21:43 JST

 

Dear Dr.Minami,
I have attached my latest Mars image. Seeing was still quite poor as lately. Seems to be uneventful, maybe.

Surprisingly, ESA has already uploaded VMC's images taken just some twenty minutes after my one!：

https://www.flickr.com/photos/esa_marswebcam/

　　　Good Seeing!

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161024/Kn24Oct16.jpg

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars - October 17th, 22nd

Received: 24 October 2016 at 03:51 JST

 

Hi Mr. Minami and All!, Here I submit two sessions under poor to below average conditions.

And Uranus as condition were average at the time

 


 

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161017/EMr17Oct16.jpg

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161022/EMr22Oct16.jpg

 

Efrain MORALES RIVERA (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars September 9

Received: 24 October 2016 at 11:21 JST

 

Looks pretty nice.
http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/160909/PMx09Sept16.jpg

 

Paul MAXSON (Surprise, AZ)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/22 1558UT CM55-unannotated

Received: 23 October 2016 at 19:22 JST

 

Hi all,

The same submission as yesterday, but unannotated for those that did not want the Schiaparelli landing site included.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161022/CFs22Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/22 1558UT CM55

Received:23 October 2016 at 05:00 JST

 

Hi all,

My observing conditions seem to be improving. Attached my image set from this afternoon with Mars at 7,8”. Martian conditions still appear to remain  relatively clear.

Sinus Meridiani is coming into view and I have marked the approximate location of the planned landing site of Schiaparelli.

It appears that the MRO has identified the impact site, although I am not sure how close this is to the planned landing site.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161022/CFs22Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: An image reprocessed

Received:22 October 2016 at 13:51 JST

 

Dear Dr.Minami, All,

A few days ago, I had a rather severe problem with the driving system of my 16inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. With the telephone instruction of the telescope dealer, I could have managed to fix the disorder. These two days, however, seeing was hopeless, to be rated 0/10, no marking squeezed out through image processings. To relieve my stress, I re-processed my raw images taken on 01 August 2016 to find some improvements.

Please find an attached montage to compare with the image by MRO MARCI/NASA on the same day. The canyon haze/dust in the Valles Marineris System seems to show a good match in both images.

 


        BETTER seeing!

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: solar images to 16-October-2016

Received:21 October 2016 at 22:35 JST

 

Hi Guys here are a few images from the sunny spells of early Oct’. They are beginning to show signs of altitude sickness now from up here at 52North, as the sun descends rapidly towards Capricorn, where it will slow down an linger frustratingly throughout our seemingly everlasting and rather boring winter. The field of granulation was missed off the last batch of images, sorry if it’s a bit boring but as Patrick might have said “ it has a certain beauty all of its own”.

 


 


 


 


 


 

Autostakkert was having trouble with the very high speed jitter at the lower altitudes. On screen it was otherwise quite detailed at times.

 

From the 2nd to the 12th the sun dropped 5 degrees.

 

Best wishes

 

Dave TYLER (Bucks, the UK)

 www.david-tyler.com

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/20 1622UT CM90

Received:21 October 2016 at 04:23 JST

 

Hi all,

Poor conditions are continuing although somewhat improved from yesterday. Solis Lacus is visible in the upper right quadrant.

Best regards,

 

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161020/CFs20Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 2016/10/19 1622UT CM90

Received:20 October 2016 at 19:55 JST

 

Hi all,

With the current weather conditions and forecast in my region, I was not expecting to get anything out. There were, however, a few intermittent gaps, and although conditions were very poor, this was the best I could get out and I submit “for the record”. I note that this capture was less than 2 hours after the scheduled touchdown of the Schiaparelli lander although the planned landing site has already rotated out of view.

Best regards,

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161019/CFs19Oct16.jpg

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars - October 16th

Received:19 October 2016 at 09:47 JST

 

Hi Mr. Minami and All!, Here is my most recent session from the 16th, Oct. under average conditions.

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161016/EMr16Oct16.jpg

 

Efrain MORALES RIVERA (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Re: Mars 2016/10/17 1457UT CM89

Received:19 October 2016 at 15:35 JST

 

Thanks, Jim. Interesting!

Despite the very poor conditions I deliberately tried not to over process the SPC. It almost looked like there was an indent in the cap, although with conditions this bad, I would not like to make any absolute statements.

We have cloud and rain(which we desperately needed!) here now, so I may not be able to capture for the next few days.

Best regards,

 

Clyde FOSTER (Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Re: Mars 2016/10/17 1457UT CM89

Received:19 October 2016 at 12:00 JST

 

Hi Clyde,

 The declination of the Earth(De) in the Martian skies has gone from 1 degrees North on Sep. 18 to the current 10 degrees South. The SPC goes from an edge-on object to a more broadside view for observers on Earth. So it will appear brighter and bigger. By the end of November De will be about 20 degrees South. But the real treat will be that the Mountains of Mitchel (Novus Mons) will be visible during the first two weeks of November at Ls centered near 256 degrees. Novus Mons is a 400 or 500-mile long plateau feature that is mostly tilted to the South. CO2 frost remains on it longer than other surfaces at the same latitude. The sublimation of ice slows since the Sun's rays strike it at a lower angle . The Longitude is about 300W. I recorded an image Novus Mons on Sep 07, 2003. Please see Novus Mons on Mars .  Try to keep imaging to record this trophy feature. Thanks.

 

Jim MELKA ( Chesterfield, MO)

 

 

 

¤····Subject: Mars 18 October 2016

Received:18 October 2016 at 23:59 JST

 

Dear Dr. Minami,

I am attaching here my latest image of Mars just at the culmination, daylight capture through a rift in the clouds with terrible seeing as usual. Seems to be uneventful on this side of the hemisphere.

http://www.kwasan.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~cmo/cmons/2016/161018/Kn18Oct16.jpg

 

ESA's Mars Express VMC everyday these days releases images looking down Martian southern hemisphere including the defrosting SPC, they are also expecting to catch the outbreak of a global dust storm, I guess：

  https://www.flickr.com/photos/esa_marswebcam/

 

　Good Seeing!

 

Reiichi KONNAÏ (Fukushima, JAPAN)

 

 

Back to the CMO/ISMO Façade / CMO Home Page