MARS was better in viewing - - a month ago.

My two friends, who have a Celestron 14", a 7" refractor,
and my 12" Meade, went back to the same area, (8800 ft)
that we were at a month ago. After viewing Mars both
Thursday and Friday (yesterday), we agreed that last
months observing was better. Do any of your agree?
Thanks
Mike L.

I haven't gotten out in a week so I can't say, but I just wanted to say kudos to you for hauling a C14 up a 9000 foot mountain and hoisting it onto a mount at that altitude without fainting.

My best nights of viewing were August 12 & 13 when it was very humid and hazy...the atmosphere was very still and the thick haze dimmed the planet enough to reveal a wealth of detail. I thought observing would be better night after night until opposition; now I know what a blessed and extraordinary couple of mornings those were.

I can't agree with you Mike. Perhaps it depends on what sort of scope you're using. I was at an excellent dark site with great seeing a month ago (July 19 to be exact). Even through my buddy's 8" SCT, surface features other than the SPC were faint to non-existent. But two nights ago (Aug. 23) and Aug. 18, I got terrific views in my 4.5" Newt. Surface features were clear and dark. Just my $.02.

Clear nights ... dark sites,
Darren

Well, a month ago I couldn't see Mars due to the clouds, and now I have managed to observe it for six of the last seven nights. So, I would have to say no, it wasn't better a month ago!

FWIW, I have found that the absolute sharpest views I have had of Mars have been by using my binoviewer with 10mm Antares Ultras, or by using the Baader Moon and Skyglow filter to cut down some of the glare. The OIII filter, mentioned earlier, worked pretty well, but the first two methods are much better to me.

Doug
Midway, FL