Mars Observation (March 6, 2003)

I have made my first observation of Mars for the current apparition. The planet's angular diameter is still small (6.3 arc-seconds), but I was able to make out a good amount of detail (described below). I welcome any comments on my observation.

Here is a description of my observation:
Date (U.T.): March 6, 2003
Time (U.T.) 04:45
CM: 327.3
Ls: 147.6, De: -3.5, Ds: 13.0
Diameter (arc-seconds): 6.3, Phase (k): 0.89
Instrument: 9-inch (23-cm) F/13.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain
Magnification: 352x and 620x
Filters: Wratten 23A, 38A, and 58
Seeing (1-10): 6-7, Antoniadi (I-V): III-II
Transparency (1-6): 5

Notes:
South Polar Region (SPR): Appears to be obscured by an extremely bright (9/10) South Polar Hood (SPH).
Mare Australe (3/10): Visible bordering the SPH
Noachis (6-7/10) and Deucalionis Regio (7/10): Visible north of Mare Australe.
Mare Serpentis (3/10)/Sinus Sabaeus (3/10)/Meridiani Sinus (3/10): Visible from the south-preceding (Sp) limb past the CM.
Syrtis Major (3/10): Visible bordering an extremely bright (9/10) evening limb haze (ELH).
Aeria (7/10)/ Arabia (7/10)/ Moab (7/10)/Eden (7/10): Bright desert region visible over the center of the disk.
Cydonia (7/10)/Dioscuria (/10): Visible towards the northern limb.
Ortgygia (3/10)/Cecropia (3/10): Dark region bordering the extremely bright (9/10) North Polar Limb (NPL).
Mare Acidalium (3/10)/Niliacus Lacus (3/10): Visible towards the north-following (Nf) limb.
Chryse (7/10)/Xanthe (8/10): Visible towards the following limb between Mare Acidalium and Margaritifer Sinus.
Margaritifer Sinus (3/10): Visible as a wedge towards the south-following (Sf) limb bordering an extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH).

The best of luck in your own observations.

Regards,
Carlos

Attached Image:

Wow Carlos, Mars is only 6+ arcsec and you've got so much details in your sketch and with color to boot! The 9" MCT
(a TEC?) must be remarkable.

Marvelously done!

Ron B[ee]

Carlos,

Impressive sketch!

While I agree with Ron's comments on your fine 9" Mak, much needs to be said about your expertise, training and patience. I have seen your some of your drawings with a Konus reflector(? and they are also spectacular.

Thank you so much for sharing such beautiful and detailed work with us.

Best,

Angel