The great perihelic opposition of Mars, 2003: Part 1
Abstract
The 2003 great perihelic opposition - marginally the closest for tens of thousands of years - fortuitously coincided with revolutionary new techniques of imaging and image processing. In Part I we show how several albedo changes resulting from the 2001 global storm persisted, notably the fading of Mare Tyrrhenum north of Trinacria, and the darkening of Phasis, whilst Solis Lacus returned to its pre-storm shape. Significant dust storms commenced in Isidis Regio/Hellas, Chryse Planitia and Chryse/Valles Marineris, the last attaining large Regional status, commencing seasonally very late. Several small dust events were seen upon and adjacent to the recessing S. polar cap. In Part II of this report we analyse white clouds and polar regions. Over 14,000 observations from 248 contributors covered the period 2002 October to 2004 June.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the British Astronomical Association
- Pub Date:
- October 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010JBAA..120..280M