Observation by Geof Lewis: Map of the Mars 2022 apparition
Uploaded by
Geof Lewis
Observer
Geof Lewis
Observed
2023 Jan 03 - 00:01
Uploaded
2023 Jan 14 - 11:51
Objects
Mars
Equipment
- C14 XLT
- ASI462MC
- AP1200GTO
- ADC
Location
Norfolk, UK
Target name
Mars
Title
Map of the Mars 2022 apparition
About this image
It took me over 2 months to capture the data for this map, which is my first full map of Mars; it is displayed north up. It comprises eight source images, from data collected from 31 October 2022, through to 3 Jan 2023. As is usual for the UK, conditions, even on the clear nights when I could image, were very variable and conditons at Mars itself changed, with imaging starting when there was a dust storm in the southern region and a strong polar hood to the north. Some images were captured when Mars was waxing, through it's full 100% phase at opposition on 8 Dec 2022, concluding when Mars was already showing a waning phase. I tried a couple of map versions, in the end opting for a map with the 0° longtitude in the centre, as I felt it presents some of the major surface details better.
Files associated with this observation
Like this image
Jeremy Shears,
David Strange,
Dr Richard John McKim,
Gerard Cauchi,
Grant Privett,
Dean Norris,
David Basey,
Alan Thomas,
Sally Russell,
Dr Paul Leyland,
Alexander Vandenbohede,
Jim Tomney
Comments
This is an excellent result, Geof, and the first map I have seen compiled for 2022. It is always best to have longitude zero central to facilitate historical comparisons. There are subtle changes visible from the 2020 maps. Well done.
Thank you Richard, your feedback is very much appreciated. I tried to do a map in 2020, when Mars apparent diameter was much bigger, but the weather conspired against me, so I had too many gaps. That experience taught me that to get the Mars map completed from the UK, one has to take every opportunity to image it, hence imaging Mars was the only astronomy that I did from mid October right up to now. I will continue using the C14 on Mars a while longer, but will also start thinking about the upcoming galaxy season.
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