Observation by Chris Dole: Mercury.

Uploaded by

Chris Dole

Observer

Chris Dole

Observed

2019 Sep 14 - 11:12

Uploaded

2019 Sep 16 - 12:31

Objects

Mercury

Equipment
  • 180mm Maksutov Cassegrain @f20.
  • ASI290mm camera.
  • Baader 685 IR pass.
  • EQ6.
Location

Newbury. G.B.

Target name

Mercury.

Title

Mercury.

About this image

My first successful attempt at recording surface variations on Mercury after many failures.

Small angular size and proximity to the sun made this a difficult observation and seeing was poor. Transparency was good. Little or no breeze helped as even a small movement of the telescope means that the planet disappears from the frame.

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Comments
Andrew Paterson
Andrew Paterson, 2019 Sep 17 - 17:37 UTC

Did you manage to see or image the conjunction of Venus and Mercury on 2019.09.13? I saw it with a small reflector in France but was unable to image it although it was a pretty sight visually with the two planets very close. 

Chris Dole
Chris Dole, 2019 Sep 17 - 18:38 UTC

I didn't get the chance to observe them on the 13th but they were still very close on the 14th when I made this observation. In fact, I used the much brighter Venus as a finder and focusing aid for Mercury as it was a very short hop away.

Chris Hooker
Chris Hooker, 2019 Sep 18 - 20:42 UTC

That's an excellent result, Chris, considering how difficult the conditions were and the small angular diameter of Mercury. Well done, and I look forward to seeing more of your observations.

Chris

Martin Lewis
Martin Lewis, 2019 Sep 19 - 21:21 UTC

Good job Chris imaging such a difficult planet. Venus being nearby is always godsend with Mercury though!

Martin

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