Mars Near Opposition 2010

Mars – January 30, 2010
Sketch and Details by Serge Vieillard

Just after the opposition of 2010, opportunity to draw the planet finally arrives. It is necessary to compromise with a cloud covered sky these last months and a lack of certain spirit. It is necessary to force ones self to use the rare opportunities, the cold being particularly lively this year. But I decided not to let this nice night of ice on January 30th get away. When I took out the T250 (10”) and installed it on the equatorial plate the show began. The planet rides high up in the sky but the atmosphere is a bit turbulent. I contented myself to use 300x with an orange filter from time to time. Others magnifications of 500x were welcome for this tiny planetary disc of a little more than 14″ of arc.

Translation by Frank McCabe