2003 0823 DBt Note
Martian Images on 23 August 2003
by Donald R BATES.

  λ=246゚Ls,   (ω=117°W,   φ=19°S),   δ=25.0",   ι=7°

Note:
 Seeing This morning I was able to grab a few decent frames, but did not have enough to provide a good SNR.
 In the eyepiece, the planet requires a good red filter to reduce glare and increase contrast. I tried my 3.7" Televue Ranger last night in addition to the trusty 10" Newt, and was disappointed in how little detail I could see. Only the SPC was clearly visible. Despite all the media hype, Mars does not give up its secrets easily despite being 25" in size. But, of course, that is what makes it such a fun challenge. Best to all as we enter the "prime time" of Mars observation 2003!

25cm Reflector

Houston, TX, USA


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