Mars

Larry B.

Larry B.

Joined
Sep 26, 2004
Messages
2,486
Here is a shot of Mars. Mars is very challenging to view and photograph because of its size and the dust storms on the planet.

mars3.jpg
 
Nordic Viking said:
Larry,

What are those ice-looking caps at the top of the planet, in your pic?
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Those are ice caps that get bigger and smaller with the seasons.
 
LOL, I thought they looked like ice-caps but didn't want to sound like a dumb blonde in case I was wrong. Thanks.
 
Hey Bruce......I like your portable grill idea. You might want to get a patent on it.:D
 
Maybe I should remove the grill design from the site, until I get a patent for it. You never know if the Chinese are reading this thread :D
 
I have a Nextar 60 GT 3 eyepieces (35x, 70x, and 175x). It has a computerized auto align feature. But Ive tried to use it and it just takes forever.
 
warrior24 said:
I have a Nextar 60 GT 3 eyepieces (35x, 70x, and 175x). It has a computerized auto align feature. But Ive tried to use it and it just takes forever.
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I think that is made by Celestron. Anyway 35x and 70x are useless for the planets. 175x is good if seeing conditions are favorable. You don't need to auto align for the planets except if your looking for Uranus or Neptune. You need to familiarize yourself with the night sky by getting a sky chart for the month. Astronomy and Sky & Telescope magazine have very good charts.

The way to align your scope for the planets is with a viewfinder. I use a starbeam finder from TelVue for the planets and a computer for the distant objects. With a 60mm objective your not going to see many distant objects. Also what is the focal length of the scope?
 
700mm focal length I just found a web site that I input my location and it gives me a map of the sky. there is to much light pollution here where i live so next time i go camping ill try it out
 
warrior24 said:
700mm focal length I just found a web site that I input my location and it gives me a map of the sky. there is to much light pollution here where i live so next time i go camping ill try it out
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You can also get a map from the magazines I told you about web sites and download it. Light pollution for the planets is not much of a problem because the planets are bright and you will still be able to see them. A zoom ep is the best because you can adjust it as the seeing condition warrants. A 3-6mm zoom for the planets would be ideal for your scope. Don't get frustrated and keep at it and you will get better at it and enjoy the hobby. If I can help you with anything you can PM or e-mail me and I will be glad to help.
 
That's a great pic--thanks for posting it. How do you hook the camera up to the telescope and what sort of exposure etc do you use?
 
JohnG said:
That's a great pic--thanks for posting it. How do you hook the camera up to the telescope and what sort of exposure etc do you use?
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I have adapters from TelVue which made the scope. I use fast exposers on the camera for the planets. If I use a long exposure I would have to use an equatorial mount with a motor drive. You don't need it for what I am doing.
 
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