Mars

Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is commonly referred to as the Red Planet. The rocks, soil and sky have a red or pink hue. The distinct red color was observed by stargazers throughout history. It was given its name by the Romans in honor of their god of war. Other civilizations have had similar names.

The first mission to Mars was conducted by Nasa using Mariner 4 in 1965.  It sent back 22 close up pictures of Mar's surface.  In September 1976 Viking 1 and 2 touched down on Mars and we were able to see the surface of Mars close up.  This last August Mars came the closest it's been in decades to the Earth.  Was able to shoot this picture with a 4x Powermate Barlow lines on my RC10" 2400 mm telescope.

Date:  08-21-03

Telescope: RC10 Prime Focus        Camera:ST8XE   with 4x Powermate barlow

Exposure Time: RGB 3x3x3 second 1x1bin ;

Processing: Maxim,Adobe combined