From: "Duane" <macastronomer@mac.com>

Date: December 15, 2007 9:40:01 AM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Fuzzy Mars

I was out on Thursday/Friday and imaged Mars several times. I sure thought I would get a 

better shot as I thought the seeing was pretty good (I could defocus a star and count 

defraction rings of stars like rings on a cut tree). I thought for sure I'd get a better shot, but 

I'm starting to wonder if I have an issue with my setup.

How is Mars' atmosphere these days? There seems to be patches of Mars disc that are faded 

and more difficult to view (see image). Also, around the limb there are brighter patches that 

don't really have a reason for being there (I think) unless there is a lot of dust in the 

atmosphere.

Anyway, here's my shot. My best so far this apparition, but I sure am going for better.

http://homepage.mac.com/deal/share/20071214_002722.jpg

Thanks for looking.

Duane