Here are some notes that I have compiled as to my observations of Mars. For those just starting out in planetary observing, this year’s opposition of Mars will the best. The first thing to do is to make sure to have your scope in good collimation, as this is a must for good planetary observing, so that you can have the sharpest image. When study-ing the planets, you will have to spend a good amount of time at the eyepiece watching and waiting for those brief moments of steady seeing. The more time spent at the eyepiece, also helps you train your eye to see more detail. Therefore, what I am trying to say to you new planetary observers,is to spend as much time as you can to train your eye’s to see as much detail as you can. You will start to notice night after night, just how much more detail you will begin to see.

I have never used a scope smaller than a 6" Refractor on planetary observing, so maybe RonB[ee] will help those who have a four-inch scope, with this next part of observing. I've found through the years that when using scopes of 6" or larger, that color filters for planetary observing are a great help in bringing out detail on Mars. Color filters help to improve low-level contrast on Martian features. At times a red filter can seem to help steady the seeing slightly. The improvements are slight, but as you improve you observing skill, it will become important.

Mars's surface features are improved by using a red or orange filter (Wratten #25 or 23A). Use the #25 only if you have a 6" or larger scope, due to the darkness of this filter. As you move from a red filter to a blue (#38A or #80A), you begin to see more detail in the atmosphere and clouds on Mars. I have found that #47 violet filter is to dark to use on Mars, as surface detail becomes invisible. Use of a #47 filter is good with very large scopes on Mars though. Other good filters to use are; #58 green, #64 blue-green.

Also, try drawing what you see. Drawing will also help you train your eye to see more, as it focuses your attention to see as much detail as you can. Make sure to checkout the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers website, as they will have the best information on planetary observing.

The best observing aid I've found in helping bring out the best in planetary detail, is a binoviewer. The use of two eye's is better then one.

Dude!