2003 0826 RBg Note
Martian Drawing on 26 August 2003
at 03:05 GMT by Robert BUNGE.

  λ=248゚Ls,   (ω=045°W,   φ=19°S),   δ=25.1",   ι=6°

Note:
 Seeing 6 out of 10. Recent cold front pretty much trashed the good seeing that had previously experienced... at least for a few days with the big scopes. So to have some fun! Pulled out the trusty 4-inch planetary scope; my original Mars scope, built for the 1986 Opposition. A half dozen oppositions later and dozens of great observing sessions with this little scope and this had to rank up as one of the best. 25 arcseconds for the 4-inch, and tons of detail.
  For the first time, I was able to comfortably use w25 (red) and w47 (blue) filters. Mars looked quite clear with little happening other than some North Polar Hood action. Very nice detail in the Mare Erythraeum area. This area was nicely framed by Solis Lacus (following) and Sinus Meridiani (P). Niliacus Lacus, north of ME, was quite dark and very apparent, perhaps the darkest northern feature of this opposition.

10cm f /10 reflector, 225-270x

Bowie, MD USA.


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