Mars and Valles Marineris

[Paul Haese]

Seeing was pretty variable last night ranging from 2/10 to around 6.5. When this image was taken high winds had started (and the seeing improved) and the PME even struggled to keep the planet on the sensor. the CGE mount would have not copped with this type of wind at all. This was the first time I had seen good seeing in high wind. Despite the planet moving around the entire sensor the image remained reasonably sharp. In Adelaide high winds means go to bed.

Of interest in this image is the presence of Valles Marineris which is lower center. I have wanted to capture this feature on Mars ever since I first imaged Mars in 2005. Also you can see Tharis volcanoes just coming into view on the lower left with lots of high blue cloud between them and Olympus Mons (which would be right on the limb edge but not visible). The NPC is also quite small now but very pronounced.

Click here (http://paulhaese.net/Mars7March2012.html)for image and other Mars images (click on the image to go to other images)

I have included the image for those that just want to view from here.

[strongmanmike]

That's excellent Paul, I like it when the planet looks like a globe rather than a circle :thumbsup: lots of features too.

Variable unpredictable seeing huh?....doh! :lol:

Mike

[Paul Haese]

Thanks Mike. I do try to have this as my distinctive look. That and aiming for fine detail in my planetary images.

Yes seeing is king mate and at this resolution it is like watching a flag waving in the breeze.

[Shiraz]

Hi Paul. agree with Mike, that is a very nicely presented image with lots of fine detail - particularly good result in the conditions. Regards ray

[desler]

Thanks for the view Paul, stunning!

Darren

[SkyViking]

Fantastic view, it really does look like a globe here. Amazing how cloudy it is too. A really nice image Paul.

[Paul Haese]

Thanks guys.

For those wanting to know how I make them look like globes I will give you a hint and say it has something to do with curves funtion. I happened across it a couple of years back (well 5 or so years) and have been using it ever since. Like DSO processing there is always more to learn and apply.

[asimov]

Very nice mate. Reckon you got better seeing than what I did. I really do hate sucker hole imaging..

[John Hothersall]

Wonderful fine detail in places and the canyon is a massive feature just a shame it is not a prominent feature as it looks spectacular from orbiter images apparently a rift valley.

John.

[multiweb]

That's pretty cool. I love the details. The only time I saw Mars was in a 16" dob F/7 and it was just an orange ball. I'm always amazed how you guys manage to extract surface details on planets.

[Quark]

Top Stuff Paul, a lovely image indeed, very well done.

Regards
Trevor

[Paul Haese]

That makes for a pleasant change John. Seeing has been quite short here in the last year. Mind you we got to take what we get at present. :)



Marc it is all about control of the equipment but being there for the seeing too. Not too mystical really just, good seeing makes good images with some processing know how.

John it is such a massive feature I am surprised it is not more dominant too.

Thanks Trev, appreciated. Hoping for better conditions tomorrow night before we head to the Riverland on Saturday.

[acropolite]

Seriously good image Paul, lots of detail, nicely done.

[Matt Wastell]

Hi Paul
That is a super image - the details are fantastic.

[ballaratdragons]

That's probably the nicest detail I have seen you get on Mars Paul. :thumbsup:

[Rigel003]

Very nice Paul. Lots of detail and very natural looking.

[strongmanmike]

Hmmm let me see..? I can see three slight variations of this pasted next to each other (maybe staggered?) and something honourable associated with them :question:

:lol:

[Paul Haese]

Thanks guys for the comments, much appreciated.



Needs a tree dude. :rofl: Yes I have a few possibilities to work with at present. Hoping for the whole quinella. New rules might prevent that though.;)

[strongmanmike]

Way back in 2003 Maurice was ahead of his time huh?

Winner Solar System section David Malin Awards 2005 (http://www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/people/sar049/david_malin_awards/small_Image06.jpg)

Still amongst the best Mars shots ever taken from the ground and it's nearly 10 years old now!

There's a challenge :thumbsup:

[asimov]

Still, it was 25.1" at opposition in 2003 compared to our 14" this apparition.

[strongmanmike]

True, but still pretty awesome...and besides Paul loves a challenge ;)

Actually wasn't it meant to have filled 1/4 of the sky in 2003 :question:...at least acording to that email I keep getting....

:lol:

[Paul Haese]

I was just going to say the same thing John. 25 arc seconds as opposed to 14 is quite a difference. In 2018 it will be interesting to see what transpires when Mars is nearly that size again.

In any case those are beauties, and congrats to Maurice (that reminds me I should email him and see how he is doing).

[lepton3]

Whoa! Been flat out with work, this one slipped past me! Fabulous image Paul. You really nailed this hemisphere.

-Ivan

[Clayton]

Thats a lovely shot Paul :thumbsup:
Very nice detail and colour :)

[Peter Ward]

Sorry Paul... missed this due much going on elsewhere in my life....

Excellent intrinsic resolution. Great result :thumbsup::thumbsup: