Major and Intense outbreak on Mars (from LX200 Group)

[Lee]

Got this piece of interesting news today.
It would be nice if if any major flares do occur tonight for Mars Watch .

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(From LX200 GPS group, by Dr Clay)

Just this morning a major event has happened on Mars, something that will be quite obvious
and plainly visible in even small telescopes from the western hemisphere for about the
next week, observing around 05:00 UT (midnight local time Central). On the meridian is a
huge yellow "cloud" or outgassing that is brighter than any known feature of the planet.
It has developed rapidly in only 24 hours from a small point of light to an intense area
of coverage with 7 appendages that are stretching in all directions; estimates by Joel
Warren indicate that the cloud (?) is approaching 700-800 miles across at this time and is
spreading at a speed of some 35 MPH.

NOTE that the Mars Rover OPPORTUNITY is just north and east of this point....they are
actually tasking the Rover for images today.

Unfortunately this is not visible during nighttime hours for observers in Europe,
Australia, etc.

I have posted two images on the ASO website showing this feature, one showing the
incredible sight as it rotates into view this morning, Oct. 28; the other image shows a
comparison of the major changes that have taken place in ONLY 24 hours from Oct 27 to Oct
28. Some of you will have an image attached. If not, please look at the following two
ASO links:

http://www.arksky.org/asoimg/MarAF4AD5A.jpg (New intense cloud, Oct. 28)
and
http://www.arksky.org/asoimg/MarAF4B178.jpg (comparison, Oct 27-28)

Hopefully everyone will be able to get this; there are MANY star parties planned this
weekend. Find this thing and show people how exciting another planet can be!

++++++++++++++++=

[starfinder]

Hi Mr. Lee,

That's quite amazing. I didn't know such things happen on Mars. Thanks for the info!

I've done a quick check on visibility conditions for Singapore using Sky & Telescope's Mars Profiler Applet, which is accessible here:
http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/ob ... _997_1.asp#


According to the news report above and the images, this yellow cloud outgassing is between Sinus Meridiani and Margaritifer Sinus.

Looking at the S&T map, that is around CM=10 degrees.

I entered 13hrs UT (9.00pm S'pore time) for 29th October 2005. It shows that this area of Mars will be visible till about 10pm S'pore time. Will be near the left central edge of Mars in SCTs and refractors.

See the image of the map below (note: this area is marked by a yellow ring)

Luckily, bec of Mars' slightly different rotation period compared with Earth's, this area will be increasingly visible in the next few days. e.g. by 3rd Nov, it will be in the centre of Mars viewed from Earth at 9pm S'pore time.

(someone correct me if my calculations are incorrect!)

Hopefully some will be able to catch it tonite, though I will probably only be able to make it there after 10pm. Will try tomrw!