The Planet Mars
A shot of Mars taken during the first week of May,1999. Though it was not its best sighting {it was 16" in diameter} some very suptle detail is apparent .The polar cap to the upper right and some dark markings below it. Planetary photgography is extremely difficulty and I personally have had little success with Mars. This photo was taken with the 11"scope using eyepiece projection giving aproximately f55. I used "The hat trick" for an exposure aproximately 1&1/4 seconds. I may proccess the image a little digitally to see if I can enhance the detail but for now here is the raw image!