Mars - Saturday morning 2nd June

[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.

[John K]

That's super Mike, cannot wait to have a go myself.

John.

[davidpretorius]

top stuff, yes the polar cap does seem smaller from matts and your earlier images

[matt]

Very nice, Mike.

That's plenty of detail for such a small disc.

Might have to give this a go over the next few weeks...with the DMK!!!!

[RB (Andrew)]

Awesome Mike !!!!!!!

I love 'em.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks guys, I'm enjoying imaging Mars so far this apparition. I got some ok images in 2005, but my equipment and capture and processing has improved a lot since then so i'm looking forward to more as the year progresses.

I've received confirmation from Richard Mckim (BAA Mars section) on an observing list I submit to, about the SPC appearing to start detaching:

I have just emailed Stefan Buda that his image also showed the Mts of Mitchell (Novus Mons) projecting north from the SPC. Thanks for this excellent work and confirmation. Should you managed to see Mars next month you will see this icy patch detached.

It's already changing!

[matt]

Great stuff.

I pretty much missed the last Mars apparition so I'm really looking forward to this one, even with the less unfavourable altitude.

[Ric]

Lovely images Mike, they are so impressive and I love the way in which you present them.

Cheers