Observation of Dec. 15, 1996
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Begin: 1h 20m UT
End: 2h 00m
Ls = 51' diam = 7.1 arcsec
Drawings:
a) 1h 25m: CM 117
b) 1h 50m: CM 123
Newton 150 mm f/8, 240 X
Seeing IV (Antoniadi), good transparency.
Planet checked with W25, W38A and W21 during drawing (a).
Notes:
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Extremely low contrasts. Disk details only suspected. Partial ECB suspected.
The only clear marking is the NPC collar. Brightening in regions at south
limb. Isolated cloud near the center of the disk in (b) ?
Paolo Tanga
Mars Program Coordinator
Sezione Pianeti - Unione Astrofili Italiani