MARS STATS
Apparent diameter: 13".0
Phase: 98%
CM: 2°

The view at 292X in my 10-inch Starfinder Newtonian is striking. The north polar cap is large and bright white. A thin band wraps around and can be traced nearly the entire circumference of the cap. Mare Boreum, Ortygia and Cecropia seamlessly join making a collar for the polar region. A complex of albedo features like a clenched fist extends south from Mare Boreum. Baltia is the wrist, appears most dark but is somewhat lighter to the east. Mare Acidalium features a central, irregular darkening. Niliacus Lacus to the south is noticeably lighter. Nilokeras and Idacus Fons, to the west, complete the fist.

Syrtis Major should be visible along the preceding (east) limb, however it appears to be obscured by dust or clouds. The major albedo features visible in the southern hemisphere include Mare Erythraeum and Noachis. Sinus Sabaeus should be dark and prominent, however it remains unseen tonight. Clouds along the following (west) limb make for a bright, shiny edge on the red planet.