2003 0725 RBg Note
Martian Drawing on 25 July 2003
at 08:03 GMT by Robert BUNGE.

  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.


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