This page is intended to show images of Mars around the time of its 2003
opposition. Closest approach at oppositions of Mars can vary widely,
from between 55 to 100 million km, and, of course, closer is better. This year
sees Mars at its closest in recorded history when, on the 27th, it will lie
55.8 million km away. Unfortunately for UK observers however, the planet does
not attain a great altitude and seeing will undoubtedly suffer.
The number of images finally appearing here will depend on both the time
available to create and process the images and, of course, on the unpredictable
British weather.
As much work is required in processing the images as in obtaining them in the
first place. Thanks to Darren Swindells from the
Sheffield Astronomical Society
for his assistance with the images processed using Registax.
Please note that south is at the top
in all of these images.
2003 June 21
Notes:
The bright area at the top is the South Polar Cap. The other main feature is
the dark fingerlike extension in the centre and known as Syrtis Major. The
lighter area between Syrtis Major and the polar cap is the large impact basin
Hellas. The brightening on the western limb of the planet is due to early
morning mist.
Time: 03:42UT
Date: 2003 June 21
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/20
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 150 x 0.04 seconds
Processing: K3CCDTools/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: IV
Planet Diameter: 15.1"
Central Meridian: 285°
Phase: 89%
Ls: 207°
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2003 Jul 12
Notes:
Solis Lacus is the dark circular feature just above the centre of the planet's
disk. The brightening on the western limb of the planet is due to early morning
mist. The infra-red blocking filter was inadvertently left off when this image
was made.
Time: 03:41UT
Date: 2003 July 12
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/20
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 445 x 0.04 seconds
Processing: K3CCDTools/Photoshop
Filtration: None
Seeing: IV
Planet Diameter: 18.6"
Central Meridian: 88°
Phase: 92%
Ls: 220°
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2003 Jul 13
Notes:
Similar view to that from the previous night. Differences in the images are due
largely to the return of the infra-red blocking filter.
Time: 02:57UT
Date: 2003 July 13
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/20
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 150 x 0.04 seconds
Processing: K3CCDTools/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: IV
Planet Diameter: 18.8"
Central Meridian: 68°
Phase: 92%
Ls: 221°
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2003 Jul 20
Notes:
Extremely poor seeing made it difficult to see any obvious detail beyond the
Polar Cap and the Hellas Basin.
Time: 01:23UT
Date: 2003 July 20
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/20
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 200 x 0.04 seconds
Processing: K3CCDTools/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: V
Planet Diameter: 20.1"
Central Meridian: 326°
Phase: 93%
Ls: 225°
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2003 Aug 03
Notes: Since the last images of Mars were taken the telescope has had
its optics cleaned, shorter exposure times were used and, in addition to that,
seeing conditions were relatively good too. The overall result appears to be an
improvement in image quality. On the down side, Mars was showing its "less
interesting" side at the time.
It should be noted that the South Polar Cap is now noticeably diminishing in
size.
Time: 00:56UT
Date: 2003 August 03
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/20
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 400 x 0.02 seconds
Processing: K3CCDTools/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: III
Planet Diameter: 22.7"
Central Meridian: 206°
Phase: 97%
Ls: 233°
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2003 Aug 17
Notes: Both increased focal length and processing techniques have played
their part in the improvement seen in this image.
This is the Solis Lacus area of Mars seen also in the images made on 12 and 13
July. Many details can be identified against a map of the area.
A dark rift is visible in the South Polar Cap.
Time: 01:46UT
Date: 2003 August 17
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/37
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 200 x 0.04 seconds
Processing: Registax/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: III
Planet Diameter: 24.6"
Central Meridian: 93°
Phase: 99%
Ls: 243°
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2003 Sep 01
Notes:
Image made in poor conditions but it easily shows how the South Polar Cap has
shrunken significantly.
Time: 23:37UT
Date: 2003 September 01
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/37
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 400 x 0.04 seconds
Processing: Registax/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: IV
Planet Diameter: 25.0"
Central Meridian: 280°
Phase: 100%
Ls: 252°
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2003 Sep 07
Notes:
The South Polar Cap is very small now.
Time: 00:36UT
Date: 2003 September 07
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/37
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 400 x 0.02 seconds
Processing: K3CCDTools/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: IV
Planet Diameter: 24.6"
Central Meridian: 250°
Phase: 99%
Ls: 255°
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2003 Sep 28
Notes:
The planet is getting noticeably smaller in the eyepiece now but relatively
good conditions allowed plenty of detail to be seen.
Time: 22:20UT
Date: 2003 September 28
Instrument: SCT 250mm aperture f/37
Integration: Phillps ToUcam 300 x 0.04 seconds
Processing: Registax/Photoshop
Filtration: IR Block
Seeing: III
Planet Diameter: 21.1"
Central Meridian: 19°
Phase: 95%
Ls: 269°
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