λ=228゚Ls, (ω=032°W, φ=20°S), δ=21.1", ι=27°
Note:
Seeing 6 out of 10, sometimes better for quick moments. Cool, no wind,
moderate dew, a very pleasent morning. A very nice morning for Mars.
Over all dark features faint and difficult to see (as normal for this
opposition). Dark markings mostly seen with W25 (red) filter. A very
fine view of Mare Erythraeum and some very quick views of the dark
markings that are attached to it to the North. Pyrrhea Regio to the
south of ME, was actually pretty bright, specially in red. Sinus
Meridiani was on the P limb and seen very clearly during moments of good
seeing, with some detail and was quite dark. The very fine, curving dark
ring around SM was quite easy to make out. One bright area in red light
on the P limb, another on the following limb. Solis Lacus on the far,
following limb, just made out. Very faint, but clearly seen North Polar
Hood visible with the W47 (blue) filter. South Polar Cap was not even in
shape, with notches, and dips out of it. It's the most odd shaped polar
cap I've seen. Less dark area seen on the SPC then over the past month,
but what there was, was above the South Pole, on the following limb.
Over all plenty of detail for the patience observer here.
31cm f /5.4 reflector,200x
Bowie, MD USA.