[AZ-Observing] Re: Mars at 560x

Frank,

Last night, the seeing in Flagstaff was variable with moments of good 
steadiness. The northern hemisphere features you mentioned were quite subtle 
in my 10-inch. I didn't see Nodus Alcyonius but did detect the Hybaeus 
Extension, Utopia and Casius. Syrtis Major, et al in the southern hemisphere 
were quite detailed.

Your note has me thinking seriously about a 5X Powermate. At present, I'm 
limited to 388X with my 1137mm focal length 10-inch Newtonian.

Regards,

Bill Ferris
Flagstaff, AZ

Frank Kraljic wrote:
> After midnight, the atmosphere became steady enough to push the
> magnification on Mars to ~560x (12.4mm Plossl through a 5x Powermate on a
> 10" F5.5 Dobsonian) without loosing considerable contrast.  Features like
> Nodus Alcyonius, just south of Utopia, and the Hybleaus Extension had
> clearly discernable shapes, as well as a very structured Tritonis Sinus.  I
> should also note the cloud features visible in both Elysium and Eridania
> without the aid of a blue filter more apparent at 400x.
> 
> Earlier in the evening, I observed what appeared to be faint albedo markings
> west of Elysium, but not associated with Propoutis.  Has anyone else seen
> this?  As it is not illustrated in the May S&T, as well as Mars Previewer.
> For all I know, this may be an illusion supplemented by the Elysium clouds
> and surrounding "uniform" surface.
> 
> Incidentally, I received my equatorial platform purchased from Tom Osypowski
> earlier Friday afternoon and tonight was its first use.  All I can ask is,
> "How did I manage without tracking?"  Certainly, tonight was a good night to
> test it.  I hope others were equally fortunate to have good seeing.
> 
> 




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