Observing
Mars with SkyTools 2
SkyTools
2 offers the mars observer the most complete set of observing
tools available in any software product.
The
feature map (below) closely matches what can be seen in
ground-based telescopes, allowing you to easily determine which
features you have observed.
But
to get that great view of mars it helps to know when to
look. The Observing Planner (below) can tell you the
optimum time period during which to observe mars on a given
night. Note the red-dashed line on the night
graphic--that's the altitude of mars with respect to time.
The green horizontal line is the altitude at which you are
looking through twice as much air as overhead (2 Airmass).
It is best to try to observe mars when it is above this line.
For
an overview of the entire mars observing season SkyTools offers
the YearBar (below). This graphic
illustrates the darkness of the sky (shading) and altitude of
mars (red dashed line) at a specific time (10:00p in the
example) for a calendar year. The best months to observe
mars (in terms of altitude for this specific time) are indicated
on the right.
All
the tabular information one could wish for is available (below),
including apparent data for your specific location at a specific
time.
Another
way to plan your mars observing is with the Current and Special
Events tools. The Current Events tool (below) lists
interesting events such as appulses with selected stars or
planets, and satellite elongations (when a satellite is farthest
from the planet).
"Good
timing can be key to catching one of the
moons of mars."
Like
many difficult observations good timing can be key to catching one of the moons of mars. This
year's opposition brings us the best chance in many years to see
these moons. But when to look? This tool will tell
you the dates/times when you will have the best opportunities.
Why leave it to chance?
Once
you choose a date/time to attempt a martian moon, SkyTools will
show you exactly where to look for it. In addition to the
detailed view (below) SkyTools simulates the view of mars in
various eyepieces, and can display a dawes-limit based
simulation of the detail you can expect to see in your
telescope.
Another
tool available to plan your mars observing is the Ephemeris
tool. In addition to a simple ephemeris, SkyTools computes
an innovative optimum nightly viewing ephemeris (below).
This ephemeris lists the optimum time to observe mars each
night, using a complex model that takes into account such
factors as the altitude of mars and moonlight . As with
all tools, a right-click menu can take you right to the chart of
your choice set up at the proper time, location, etc.
Finally,
once you have made your observation the SkyTools logbook
provides an ideal means of recording what you saw. Images
or sketches can be attached (to mars itself) for future
reference. Use the Night Log (not shown) to
record the entirety of the observing experience, perhaps on that
night when those Raccoons nearly scared you into dropping your
Nagler.
Like
we said at the top, you are not going to find a more complete
set of mars observing tools anywhere. Innovation, ease of
use, well thought out tools created by an avid observer, an
intuitive interface, and an unparalleled ability to accomplish
what you wish to with a minimum of time and fuss--these are the
hallmarks of SkyTools.
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