Mars 2003: Cooperative Observation Networks

We have two networks for cooperative Mars observations in Japan, which link up professional researchers and amateurs: Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory Mars Cooperative Observation and Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers in Japan. Presented is a summary of more than 4000 images collected by the two networks during the first half of the last apparition from 18 October, 2002 through 22 June, 2004, corresponding to the period of L_s = 83°-51°. In this period many interesting phenomena were observed, including three dust storms and a precursor, South Polar Cap recession with dark markings and some bright spots, water ice clouds, orographic clouds, polar hoods, and new surface markings.