I observed Mars from 7 UT ~ 8 UT Feb 6. *On the evening of Feb 5 11PM ~ 12AM Pacific Time. Opting for the Nexstar 5i with 6mm Orthoscopic and 5mm Super Plossl eyepieces to produce 200 X ~ 255 X magnification. Although seeing was medium to good at brief moments, varying winds distorted the view for the majority of the observing time. I referenced The NASA JPL Simulator and an amazing photo taken at the Pic du Midi as posted by J Luc in the Solar System Imaging Forums. It shows a dust storm over the North polar cap on Feb 2 so I rendered that in the lower artists conception landscape. I rendered what I could see in slightly blurred albedo, two large features, I'll allow others to identify. Yet the north polar cap stood out well and at times blue limb hazes were quite visible on the planets eastern limb and especially at the south polar region although no defined south polar cap was visible. Use of an older Orion Sky Glow Filter with a subtle band pass, renders the albedo features as slightly turquoise ~ grey-green.
The pastel sketch is on 22" X 30" Stonehenge 100% black cotton fiber pastel paper with use of various pastel chalks. The sketch was photographed under a north window with a Sony Cybershot 5.1 mgpxl digital camera.
*A larger image may be viewed at >
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1..._1075pxl_2.jpg
I suppose I have created more sensational images aside from a few accurate sketches from direct observation lately. So here is yet another. I have been researching the 3D or stereo effected images lately.
The original is on the left and the right is a reworked newer version. If one employs the ‘relaxed-crossed-eyed’ method of viewing you should see a three dimensional effect, especially in the foreground rocks.
Mark
www.markseibold.com
My CN Gallery >
http://www.cloudynights.com/photopost/showgallery.php?thumb=1&cat=500&si= markseibold&perpage=12&sort=2&stype =&ppuser=
I hear that much of Australia is all very liberal and relaxed like us here in Oregon on the west coast.
i have a larger body of work at 
