Calling Mars experts.

Hello friends,

I would like somebody to help me identify the bright spot near Syrtis Major on the image attached. I looked at an image of Wei of the same region taken back in mid July and it is not there. However, an image taken this week by Wesley does show the same brightening. If the weather cooperates I will try to image this area this weekend to monitor any changes. Any ideas?

Best,

Angel

Attached Image:

Could that be the renound Syrtis Major "blue cloud?" I've read about it, but have not actually observed it.

When the current skein of cloud-outs comes to an end (currently 1 week) I'll take a close look.

How's that TEC 200 working out? Versus the usual scopes, how do you like it visually and photographically?

I really want one. Even moreso the 250mm version... because I'd like a step up from the C8 in every way possible... but they cost quite a lot. Even just the TEC 200 costs about 5k now.

Tim

That's quite a nice recent image, Angel.

Have you been using the 18mm Ultima much lately?

Dave Mitsky

Angel,

Congratulations on an excellent image of Mars showing much detail over the red planet, especially over the Hellas and Syrtis Major regions. Mars is presenting a great target for imagers over the world at this time.

The bright albedo feature that you imaged east of the northern half of Syrtis Major is named Osiridis Promontorium. This feature has actually been observed by Mars observers since the late 1800's. It is a low-lying region adjacent to an elevated plain (Syrtis Planitia) which holds surface fog/haze at times as you have captured in your image. Another area in which haze is noted consistentlly is Libya to the south (also present in your image). It is important to monitor Mars for the development of dust activity, but the majority of bright (white) phenomena observed and/or imaged will most probably be water-ice related in nature.

Please keep up your excellent Mars imaging!

Carlos