Mars

by Joel Goodman

Had a surprisingly detailed view of Mars last night from atop Mt. Diablo in Walnut Creek, especially in view of its low elevation from 11pm to 12:30am. Used a 10-inch S-C at powers of 200x-280x with a #23 Wratten filter. The SPC was very pronounced and had a dark, irregular border (the customary "collar"). Sabaeus Sinus and Meridiani Sinus were central on the disk and contrast was excellent. A complex, web-like network of markings northward was discernible during moments of steadiest seeing. You could understand how Lowell might have imagined his system of canals.