Had a surprisingly detailed view of Mars last night from atop Mt. Diablo in
Walnut Creek, especially in view of its low elevation from 11pm to 12:30am.
Used a 10-inch S-C at powers of 200x-280x with a #23 Wratten filter. The SPC
was very pronounced and had a dark, irregular border (the customary "collar").
Sabaeus Sinus and Meridiani Sinus were central on the disk and contrast was
excellent. A complex, web-like network of markings northward was discernible
during moments of steadiest seeing. You could understand how Lowell might have
imagined his system of canals. Joel.