Mars and two globular clusters

[Tinderboxsky]

Mars was a fine sight tonight with globular clusters M19 and NGC6284 on either side of the planet forming a shallow triangle. The globular clusters and Mars were neatly framed in the same 2 degree field of view at 33X magnification. Observations two hours apart clearly showed Mars' motion across the background stars. By late evening the seeing was very good allowing a high magnification look at Mars. It is receding fast now and much smaller but surface detail was still quite clear although difficult to recognise being so small.
Mars will still be between the two globular clusters on Wednesday evening.
Scope: Vixen NA140SS and Panoptic24.

Cheers

Steve

[The Mekon]

Steve, yes I also noted this - but due to the new joys of GoTo, it was unexpected. Last night I was out observing with my AT106 (EQ6 mounted). Sent the scope to M19, with intention of viewing three globulars in the same field (M19 6293 6284) and behold a bright "star" that should not be there! Did not take me long to realise Mars was in the 2.8 degree field.

[Tinderboxsky]

Finding a rogue star the brightness of Mars would have been quite a surprise.
I was out again tonight and Mars was almost mid way between M19 and 6284, forming close to a straight line. The one day older Moon meant 6284 was more difficult to find. Another day or so and the Moon may swamp 6284 completely.

Cheers

Steve.