Martian Storm Visible in Backyard Scopes
Mars has delivered an early Halloween treat for observers in the Western Hemisphere.
Comments:
Well I had beautiful views of Mars on Saturday (10/29/05) thru my Obsession 20. There was a great deal of fine detail. However, I didn't notice the dust storm. What time does it rotate onto the disk?<br><br>George N.
George:<br>I am thinking that if it is still bright and visible and has not moved much in the last few days it should swing into view about 6 UT and cross the central meridian about 10 or 11 UT. Anyone else have anything more exact. I rely on Dr. Sherrods latest post at Mars Watch 2005, see http://elvis.rowan.edu/marswatch and other sources like the S&T Mars Profiler.<br>Bob Blinn
Take a look at Anacortes Telescope and wild bird (www.buytelescopes.com) and look at their image gallery>solar system section.<br><br>There are plenty of images of Mars showing the dust storm, from the beginning (early October) to now.<br><br>Duane
While it is a very interesting dust storm to observe, it was only two Martian oppositions ago (June 2001), that the same thing happened and the entire planet became shrouded in dust. Apparently, the giant dust storms are more prevalent during summer months so seeing one now IS more unusual :-). We can only HOPE that the entire planet doesn't become completely obscured by sand/dust again.<br><br>Mark B.
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