MARS STATS
Apparent diameter: 20".2
Phase: 100%
CM: 307°

The seeing has improved since my last observation and the view at 388X is more often than not fairly crisp. Conditions aren't as good as I've enjoyed during past Mars oppositions but they're good enough to see abundant detail. I experimented with neutral density, 23A light red and 80A light blue filters. For some reason, the albedo features appeared better defined through the light blue filter. Typically, I've found the light red does a better job in that area. Perhaps I was using the 80A during a period of improved seeing.

Syrtis Major has just rotated past the central meridian (CM). This is arguably the most recognized feature of Mars. It reminds many observers, at least those who use reflecting telescopes, of the African continent on our home planet. Some fine detail is evident. The western (following) portion of the northern tip extends further north than the preceding section. A large region of the interior of Syrtis Major appears much darker that surrounding areas. Syrtis Major's thumb, a small dark projection along the preceding edge, is visible just north of the equator. Syrtis Minor appears as a dark interior region near the preceding limb.

Hellas, which appeared very bright and white during the past three oppositions, has a dullness that makes identification uncertain. There is noticeable limb brightening near the south polar region and also along the north polar region. Sinus Sabaeus reaches toward the following limb with Sinus Meridiani seen at its limit. Sinus Sabaeus connects to Mare Serpentis, which appears as a dark region with lighter colored Hellas to the east. Casius is barely detectable along the northeast limb. Mare Acidalium is equally challenging along the northwest limb.

MARS STATS
Apparent diameter: 20".2
Phase: 100%
CM: 333°

I roused myself from bed about two hours later to find this scene. The sketch at left captures the view in my 10-inch at 388X. The seeing has softened a bit and details are not as rich.

Syrtis Major appears quite foreshortened from this viewing angle. However, the dark interior feature and Syrtis Minor are both still visible. Within two hours, Syrtis Major will have rotated off the Earth-facing hemisphere. At present, Sinus Sabaeus and Sinus Meridiani are along the CM. Sinus Sabaeus connects to Mare Serpentis which does not appear quite as dark as it did earlier this night. Moab, a light colored area north of Sinus Sabaeus is stained with irregular darkening. In the northern hemisphere, Mare Acidalium and Niliacus Lacus are seen rising along the following limb. Limb clouds are present to the west and south. This isn't a bad view but definitely not as good as earlier.