I made an observation of Mars the day after South Florida was pummeled by Hurricane Wilma. We suffered significant damage (homes, trees and other objects) as we were subjected to winds over 130 miles per hour (>208 km/h) for several hours. My observation was made using my older Celestron 8-inch SCT as I had no power for nearly five days (no tracking of the planet possible). I am in the process of cleaning up and will have to make my notes brief.
Date (U.T.): October 26, 2005
Time (U.T.) 03:15
CM 303.9
Ls: 313.0 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -13.1, Ds -17.9, p 0.99, 20.11"
Instrument: Celestron 8" F/10 SCT
Magnification: 194x
S (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency: 6+ (No lights!)
Notes:
The dust storm appears to be obscuring the majority of the Southern hemisphere of Mars. It's color appeared a pale yellow-mustard to my eyes. The storm appears to extend into the Hellas basin (6-8/10) from Noachis (6-7/10). The southern half of Meridiani Sinus (southern half, 3-6/10) was partially obscured by dust. The South Polar Cap (10/10) was visible through the dust . Syrtis Major appeared prominent (3-4/10) preceding the CM. Mare Tyrrhenum (4/10) and Syrtis Minor (3/10) were visible towards the preceding limb. Sinus Sabaeus was prominent (3-4/10) as well on the CM. Pandorae Fretum (4-6/10) was obscured over certain sections by dust. A thin, dusky to dull (4-5/10) Hellespontus was visible through the dust. Neith Regio, Aeria, Arabia, Moab, and Eden were bright (7/10) without any other detail visible within. Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH), North Polar Hood (NPH), and evening limb haze (ELH) were visible.
I welcome any comments on my observation. I look forward to images and observations of Mars as the planet nears opposition.
Regards,
Carlos E. Hernandez
Date (U.T.): October 26, 2005
Time (U.T.) 03:15
CM 303.9
Ls: 313.0 (Mid-Northern Winter/Southern Summer)
De -13.1, Ds -17.9, p 0.99, 20.11"
Instrument: Celestron 8" F/10 SCT
Magnification: 194x
S (1-10): 5-6, Antoniadi (I-V): III
Transparency: 6+ (No lights!)
Notes:
The dust storm appears to be obscuring the majority of the Southern hemisphere of Mars. It's color appeared a pale yellow-mustard to my eyes. The storm appears to extend into the Hellas basin (6-8/10) from Noachis (6-7/10). The southern half of Meridiani Sinus (southern half, 3-6/10) was partially obscured by dust. The South Polar Cap (10/10) was visible through the dust . Syrtis Major appeared prominent (3-4/10) preceding the CM. Mare Tyrrhenum (4/10) and Syrtis Minor (3/10) were visible towards the preceding limb. Sinus Sabaeus was prominent (3-4/10) as well on the CM. Pandorae Fretum (4-6/10) was obscured over certain sections by dust. A thin, dusky to dull (4-5/10) Hellespontus was visible through the dust. Neith Regio, Aeria, Arabia, Moab, and Eden were bright (7/10) without any other detail visible within. Extremely bright (9/10) morning limb haze (MLH), North Polar Hood (NPH), and evening limb haze (ELH) were visible.
I welcome any comments on my observation. I look forward to images and observations of Mars as the planet nears opposition.
Regards,
Carlos E. Hernandez
Attached Image:
