12.04 1997 Timo Lahde, Helsinki, Finland
18.45-19.30 UT
S=I-II, 205/1000 mm Newtonian Reflector + Apodising screen
Magnification = 200x (5,0 mm Eudiascopic)
263x (3,8 mm Eudiascopic)
Filters: Wratten #21, #23 #38a
Diameter: 13,1"
Altitude: 36 degrees
CM:29-33 degrees
Position Angle:20,8 degrees
Phase:0,968
The most distinct feature on Mars was Mare Acidalium, which appeared very
dark, the northern part being darker. Tempe was covered by a white cloud,
as was also Xanthe and Lunae Lacus, to the south. Chryse appeared whiter
than the surrounding areas of Cydonia and Eden. In Mare Acidalium, there
were some lighter areas, most notably Achillis Pons. In the far North, the
areas of Mare Boreum and Baltia were seen extending west (towards the morning
limb) In the eastern part of Mare Acidalium, Deuteronilus was seen as a
faint streak. A white cloud, quite small, was seen over Arabia. In the south,
the areas of Sinus Sabaeus, Sinus Margaritifer and Mare Erythraeum were
seen, bordered by the light areas of Deucalionis regio and Pyrrhae regio.
The northern polar cap was indistinct, shrouded in what appeared to be a
large hood of cloud and mist, partially covering Mare Boreum.
Timo Lähde
Helsinki, Finland