Mars: First Look

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I had my first look at Mars this morning (4.30am) since buying my scope.

It was less spectacular than I had imagined. Although I could get a nice clear disk, it was hard to observe much in terms of surface detail except a fleeting sense of a lighter patch towards the top. Otherwise, it was just a general orangy colour. The disk jumped around a lot, and was hard to get a sharp focus on.

I have read from other posts that the quality of the visual image is not great if bringing the scope outside from warmer environment, because of the temperature differential. I was out until about 5.45am, maybe not long enough for the scope to cool to the ambient temperature??

It was my first am viewing. Normally I set the scope up before nightfall, and then go out later from about 9pm, and do my viewing then.

Does anyone have any tips for early am viewing? In particular, does anyone set up their scope outside before going to bed, then come out to it in the early am? My fear is RAIN! I have a tarp, but having spent so much money on my scope, I would be VERY upset if the scope got wet!!

Any thoughts welcome.

Rod

PS I then went on to spend some time in Sagittarius. Fantastic!

[iceman (Mike)]

Hey Rod.

I'm not surprised Mars wasn't spectacular yet.. it's still a LONG way away and there's still 6 months to go before it's at opposition. When I had a look at Mars about 2 months ago, I couldn't even make it out as a disc.. it just looked like betelguese.

The jumping around, was probably a combination of air currents (from not having reached ambient temperature) and bad seeing. i'm sure Mars will get much better to view in the coming months, and just try on another morning when there might be better seeing, and you should be able to make out the polar cap..

What mag were you using?

As for morning viewing, i've done quite a bit of morning viewing/imaging, and I leave my scope out all night to cool down, but I leave it under the pergola where it can't get wet. Have you got any undercover area outside where you can leave it while you are in slumber?

I definitely wouldn't leave it outside under the stars while you slept, not only for fear of rain, but bad dew as well.

[toetoe (Peter)]

I agree with Mike Rod, don`t leave your scope outside for the elements to play with, it isn`t worth the risk. Have you got a shed?

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Thanks guys, yes I have a shed, and I guess I can leave the roller door up, and leave the scope just inside. That'll help with the ambient temp thing.

Mike, good to get that reassurance about Mars' location...I'll keep an eye on it towards the end of the year.

Best view was with 20mm GSO EP with 2X Barlow. The 15mm GSO EP with 2X Barlow was getting too jumpy. 30mm GSO was, as you described Mike, like a star. 15mm gave me the first impression of a disk.

I think am will be better for the next couple of nights to avoid the moon. I might try again tomorrow am.

Cheers!

[ving (David)]

havent had a go at mas yet. the monkeys tell me to wait for a while

good on ya for seing a disk tho!

[atalas]

Rod don't worry,Mars will knock your socks off come opposition !


Louie

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Can't wait Louie!

[atalas]

Me too! Rod. Ive had many hours on Mars over the years and still always look forward to it.


Louie

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Louie, when do you think the first person will visit there, and survive the trip back to talk about it? I reckon we're still 25 years away.

[atalas]

That's what I would of said Rod!


Louie

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Which will make me 60! Just in time, finishing my working life as an astronaut before I retire at age 65.

[rumples riot]

Hey Rod, I would not worry too much about the weather if you have a tarp. My scope has spent all this year except for a few days out on the pier or before that set up on the tripod with a tarp over it. I usually put a large garbage bag over it first then the tarp. I now have a chair cover tarp over it which some of the guys were discussing here a couple of months ago. It can be purchased from Bunnings under their outdoor section. I have never found water under the tarp and it ties up nice and neat underneath so it wont blow away. Nothing is showing any signs of rust as yet. So if you take the proper precautions I cannot see a problem with setting it up the night before and leaving it out. Make sure that it cannot be seen from the road and you should be right.