From Myron E WASIUTA
@.
. . . . Dear Don and Masatsugu,
Just
got in from observing Mars and I wanted to write about some interesting
observations. I observed from 9:00-11:00 UT on March 28 (CM 298-327). The seeing
was fair early on, but by twilight it had gotten very good! At 360X and using a
magenta filter (W30), I think I saw a hazy cloud arc at the North-following
limb. I believe this might be the beginning of the NPH. But the best was yet to
come! As Syrtis Major approached the evening limb, I watched a bright cloud form
over this region in the course of about 40 minutes! At the same time, A bright
patch along the sunrise limb was seen, which I believe to be Chryse. The albedo
features were clearly seen as the seeing became almost perfect! It was very
refreshing to finally get a good spell of seeing after so many observations with
mediocre or poor conditions! Anyway, just wanted to sound off here! I am really
looking forward to rather summer months and their better seeing
conditions!
Sincerely,
PS-
I will forward these observations soon to ALPO and CMO.
(28
March 2001 email)
@.
. . . . Thank you for the prompt reply regarding my observations of the NPR on
28 Mar 2001. I will indeed refer to the cited pages in CMO #221. As I was
pressed for time this morning, after completing my observations, I quickly left
for work without bringing my telescope indoors. I felt safe as no rain was
predicted for the next 24 hours. However, while I was at work my wife Terry
called and said the wind had blown the telescope over, with some damage to the
secondary cage. I had a sick feeling in my stomach all day. When I got home, I
quickly assed the damage. Fortunately it was relatively minor. No damage
occurred to either the primary or secondary mirrors. I believe I can fix the
telescope quickly with no interruption in my observing! I really need an
observatory!!
Thanks
again for the prompt reply, and I too wish you well as we get closer to
opposition! Sincerely,
(28
March 2001 email)
Myron E WASIUTA (VA, USA)