[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all

Mars is still well positioned for Southern observers just before dawn. The altitude reaches about 43° just before dawn, however it's still a tiny 5.77" in diameter.

Visually, details are still evident including the SPC and albedo markings. It's worth getting up early for!

It's going to get bigger as opposition approaches in December, but it's already moving North and the altitude will get less.

The first of these images was with the 5x powermate and the second also has an extension tube, for an EFL of over 13,700mm. Seeing was quite good given the altitude.

Solis Lucas is just setting (on the left) and Hellas is the bright patch visible below the left of the SPC. The SPC appears to be detatching slightly to the lower right - it may be shrinking already.

Thanks for looking.