[BAA-ebulletin 00996] Martian clouds; Venus observations

[BAA electronic bulletins service]

Mars Section

The season has arrived for the appearance of north polar cyclonic
clouds. These white clouds are found on the morning side of the planet
in the longitudes of Baltia-Mare Boreum and also, seasonally a little
later, Utopia. At times they can show cyclonic form. They are rarely
observed in the martian afternoon. They were seen in 2010 at the end
of the observing season, well-observed in 2012 and 2014, and then
somewhat less well seen in 2016. The 2018 opposition is not a
favourable one for spotting these features, but they do constitute a
useful seasonal indicator, so it would be good if all those currently
studying the still distant planet made a point of looking out for
them.

Dr Richard McKim, Director

2018 February 9

..............

Mercury & Venus Section

I have appointed Dr Paul Abel to act as Venus Coordinator for the
current E. Elongation. Please send all observations to him either by
email or by post to:

paul.abel at yahoo.co.uk

Department of Physics & Astronomy,
University of Leicester,
University Road, LEICESTER LE1 7RH

A short note by Paul about observing Venus in 2018 will appear in the
April number of the Journal.

Meanwhile, the Director is working to complete a long-term Venus
report which will cover the period from 2007 till the present time.
Some results of this study will be shown at the BAA Ordinary Meeting
in March. If any member has unreported recent observations up to the
end of 2017 there is still time to submit them by contacting the
Director at the address given in the back of the Journal.

Dr Richard McKim, Director

2018 February 9