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Originally Posted by Tinderboxsky
Definitely a big challenge. Sky Safari is suggesting magnitudes 11.3 (max separation 25”) and 12.4 (maximum separation 64”) in July.
I had a “half hearted attempt" last opposition and was unsuccessful. I was attempting to see Phobos when at maximum distance from Mars by placing Mars just outside the field of view. I have tried this technique with a few other faint objects I have chased over the last year or so. From my experience I am not convinced this method provides the best observing opportunity even if one is using eyepieces with good near to edge resolution.
I am planning to make an occulting bar for this opposition. I will place the edge of the bar just away from the centre line of the eyepiece FOV so that Phobos can be positioned near the centre of the FOV.
The other challenge I found is the rapid rotation times of the two moons (Phobos is just under 8 hours and Diemos is 30 hours) which means there is only a narrow window of opportunity to find the moon when near maximum distance from Mars. Everything needs to line up - scope at equilibrium, excellent seeing and transparency, Mars as close to culmination as possible, cooperative weather and clouds, time free of other commitments etc ... Definitely needs some careful planning and putting time aside in one’s diary for the best target times.
I am not sure about the aperture needed. I am going to try for Phobos with my 140mm refractor first and then move onto some bigger yard cannons if unsuccessful. I plan on trying the Astronomical Society of Tasmania’s C9.25 first and then the Society’s C14. We’ll see what happens.
I am looking forward to the challenge..
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Look forward to your reports with the big scopes Steve..Ill probably try in a larger refractor of at least 120mm , and a larger reflector of 10 inches as well
The timings of the moons separations will be crucial..as far away from Mars as possible is best..not to mention their faint Magnitudes...And Mars high in the sky.
PS: Agreed..The occulting bar WILL be a must here.
bigjoe