MARS OPPOSITION 2022

Location:  Lower west-side Saint John, NB, Canada

Date Time:  Nov 26, 2022 2040-2130

Weather:  Cool, windy, mostly clear, 0.8C, 68% humidity.

Attendance:  Benson, Jarrod and David.

Equipment:  Meade LX 200 with 32mm eyepiece, cellphone camera attached to eyepiece.

Objective:  To view and image Mars as it approaches its Dec 8 opposition.

Report:  

• Mars is very big and bright in the south eastern sky.  Through telescope disc is much bigger than normal and dark features can be seen across its bright reddish face.  A bright white cap can be seen on top edge.

 

• Jupiter was much bigger and brighter, high in the south western sky, which tells how big this planet is compared to Mars.  Even though Mars is much, much closer, it still is half as big as Jupiter is in the sky.  Four of its moons were nicely spaced on either side of the massive gas giant.  Through telescope two bright bands could be seen across Jupiter's face, in line with the moons.

 

•  The big dipper was impressive, low in the north eastern sky.  No shooting stars or satellites were seen.