I made an observation of Mars this morning showing the dust storm
extending across the martian southern hemisphere between Phaethontis to
Ausonia. The storm was especially prominent between Electris (on the
CM) and Ausonia. Very bright (8/10) streaks were noted towards the
northern limb over Scandia and Panchaia which could represent dust
events as well. I welcome any comments on this observation.
Date (U.T.): July 7, 2003
Time (U.T.): 05:45
CM: 164.7
Ls 216.8 (Mid-Northern Autumn)
De -20.6, Ds -14.5. k (phase): 0.908
Diameter: 17.7 arc-seconds
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 344x, and 443x
Filters (Wratten): 23A, 30, 38, and 64
Seeing (1-10): 5-6 (moments of 7-8), Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 2-3 (hazy)
Notes:
The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared brilliant (10/10) with a dusky to
dull (4-5/10) central core. A dark (3/10) rift (Magnes?) was visible at
approximately 180-190 West longitude. A dark (3/10) collar was noted to
surround the SPC. The regional dust storm was noted to extend between
Phaethontis (preceding or evening limb) and Ausonia (on the following
or morning limb). It was noted to be more prominent using Wratten 23A
(light red), 30 (magenta), and 64 (blue-green) filters. Thyle I and II
appeared to be obscured as well. The northern half of Mare Cimmerium
and Mare Sirenum appeared dark (3/10). A very bright (8/10) cloud
(possibly with dust) was noted over Symplegades Insulae. Zephyria and
Aeolis appeared bright (7/10) with a dull (5/10) streak (Tartarus?)
noted across the region. A very bright (8/10) cloud was noted over
Memnonia appearing to connect to an extremely bright (9/10) orographic
cloud (Arsia Mons?) adjacent to the preceding limb. Trivium Charontis
was weakly visible (4/10) connected to a dark (3/10) Phlegra and
separated from the Propontis complex (3-4/10) by a very bright (8/10)
streak (dust?). Another smaller streak (8/10) was noted east
(preceding) the Propontis complex. Extremely bright (9/10) evening
(preceding), northern, and morning (following) limb hazes were noted as
well.
The best of luck on your own observations and imaging of Mars.
Respectfully,
Carlos E. Hernandez
extending across the martian southern hemisphere between Phaethontis to
Ausonia. The storm was especially prominent between Electris (on the
CM) and Ausonia. Very bright (8/10) streaks were noted towards the
northern limb over Scandia and Panchaia which could represent dust
events as well. I welcome any comments on this observation.
Date (U.T.): July 7, 2003
Time (U.T.): 05:45
CM: 164.7
Ls 216.8 (Mid-Northern Autumn)
De -20.6, Ds -14.5. k (phase): 0.908
Diameter: 17.7 arc-seconds
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 248x, 344x, and 443x
Filters (Wratten): 23A, 30, 38, and 64
Seeing (1-10): 5-6 (moments of 7-8), Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency (1-6): 2-3 (hazy)
Notes:
The South Polar Cap (SPC) appeared brilliant (10/10) with a dusky to
dull (4-5/10) central core. A dark (3/10) rift (Magnes?) was visible at
approximately 180-190 West longitude. A dark (3/10) collar was noted to
surround the SPC. The regional dust storm was noted to extend between
Phaethontis (preceding or evening limb) and Ausonia (on the following
or morning limb). It was noted to be more prominent using Wratten 23A
(light red), 30 (magenta), and 64 (blue-green) filters. Thyle I and II
appeared to be obscured as well. The northern half of Mare Cimmerium
and Mare Sirenum appeared dark (3/10). A very bright (8/10) cloud
(possibly with dust) was noted over Symplegades Insulae. Zephyria and
Aeolis appeared bright (7/10) with a dull (5/10) streak (Tartarus?)
noted across the region. A very bright (8/10) cloud was noted over
Memnonia appearing to connect to an extremely bright (9/10) orographic
cloud (Arsia Mons?) adjacent to the preceding limb. Trivium Charontis
was weakly visible (4/10) connected to a dark (3/10) Phlegra and
separated from the Propontis complex (3-4/10) by a very bright (8/10)
streak (dust?). Another smaller streak (8/10) was noted east
(preceding) the Propontis complex. Extremely bright (9/10) evening
(preceding), northern, and morning (following) limb hazes were noted as
well.
The best of luck on your own observations and imaging of Mars.
Respectfully,
Carlos E. Hernandez
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