Contains:  Solar system body or event
Mars 18th March 2020 - Syrtis Major prominent, Niall MacNeill

Mars 18th March 2020 - Syrtis Major prominent

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Description

Mars was well placed this morning to allow me make 3 RGB runs of 4 minutes duration per colour channel. It is still only 6 arc seconds n apparent diameter which limits the resolution, but being higher in the morning sky benefits the seeing and therefore what can be discerned on the planet's surface.

This view shows the 89% illuminated planet, with Syrtis Major of course the major feature visible at the central meridian. On its p side there is an interesting bright area. The resolution is not quite good enough to work out what is going on with the Hellas Basin, but there seems to be a ‘V’ shaped light coloured band extended up from it towards Syrtis Major. This may be an indication of some dust activity. There is also a white feature extended up from the South Polar Cap, towards the Hellas Basin. It is a slightly darker colour compared to the ice cap and may be water ice cloud or dust.

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Mars 18th March 2020 - Syrtis Major prominent, Niall MacNeill