I'll have to double-check, but I believe that the area with the storm is on the limb at about the time we've been observing (near 10-12H UT). The bummer with Mars is that you get the same face every night due to the planet's rotation rate being so close to earth's. It takes a couple of weeks for new territory to rotate into view if observed at the same time each night. Larger mirrors must be at thermal equalibrium before attempting critical planetary viewing. Either that, or active thermal management techniques should be employed (fan blowing across the mirror face). My 10" doesn't use a fan, so I usually leave it out all night, for early morning use. The 6" uses a fan, so it can be used instantly at high powers. Debbie, your experience paralleled mine. More power is needed, but my local seeing just isn't supporting it. Has anyone tried a wedge prism to counteract atmospheric dispersion? Chuck --- UTAHDEB@aol.com wrote:
Is the dust storm subsiding? I got a pretty good view this morning of the darker areas on Mars. It seemed better than Tues morning . This planet begs for more magnification and more aperature. The seeing didn't support powers over 175X (5mm Radian). Next time I'm going to get the 8" out before I go to bed and let it cool down or warm up. It was 84 degrees this morning when I observed.
Debbie
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