Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri

I was just getting started with ToUcam imaging at this point.

Mars is still tiny (<8 arcsec) and low in the morning sky (more atmosphere to deal with) BUT detail is possible at this early stage of the apparition. Individual images were jumping around a lot with the seeing, but I could see the polar cap in them most of the time. Registax only detected some 10% of the images at a ‘quality’ of 90% or greater of the best. I played with a 2X Barlow a bit, but it was next to impossible to focus with the seeing.

Telescope: 10-in LX-200, f/10 (fl=2540 mm)
Camera: ToUCam Pro with Baader IR/UV filter, 640×480, 0.45 arcsec/px

Bottom image is full image (95/900 stacked in Registax) showing how small Mars is - only about 15 pixels high.

Big night planned (hope the weather cooperates!)

First, we will have our regularly scheduled meeting from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Free telescope clinic starting at 6:00 pm) and then we will adjourn to Quail Ridge Park for a public star gazing event.

Regular Meeting Agenda: 26 people attended the meeting.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Telescope Clinic. Bring your telescope and learn how to set it up, use it, or repair it.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Regular monthly meeting
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