MarsWatch 1996-1997

Images of Mars from Astronomers Around the World


Linking Amateur and Professional Mars Observing Communities

for Observational Support of the Mars Pathfinder Mission


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20 March 1997

Syrtis Major appeared very dark, and was about halfway to the central meridian at this time. To the south, Mare Serpentis was just coming into view, and Mare Tyrrhenum was seen toward the CM, followed by Tritonis Sinus and Mare Cimmerium. To the south of Hesperia, Xanthus was seen as a dark projection.

Over Aeria, on the morning limb, there was a large, bright fog, which seemed to obscure some part of Syrtis Major. To the North, Casius and Boreosyrtis were seen; however, Nodus Alcyonius was not detected, and the general appearance of the area was misty and unclear.

The area of Libya appeared bright, and the dark area of Chaos was clearly seen, already being past the CM. Right on the evening limb, Elysium was seen as a bright area. The polar ice cap was not clearly defined, and looked as if it were partially covered by fog.

Timo Lähde
Helsinki, Finland


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