MSA 2018 Mars Opposition Observation Project

Introduction:

On the 27th of July, Mars and Earth will be ideally placed for ground based observation.

(You can read more about Martian oppositions here. )

The present a great opportunity to observe and photograph Mars. 

While there are multiple spacecraft orbiting Mars and photographing the planet up close, we can gain much useful information about Mars from Earth during the period leading up to, during and after the opposition.  The most recent approach of Mars that came this close occurred in 2003. Since that time there's been major increases the digital photographic and image processing capabilities available to amateur astronomers.

The 2018 Mars opposition provides a unique chance to compile image the planet and catalog changes seen on the surface.  We'll be looking for things like changes to the polar caps and dark patches on Mars as well as the impact of the current dust storms encircling the planet.

In addition, as Mars will be widely observed during this period, it will allow the gathering of observing reports and images of a common object across Australia during a set time frame. This will help provide input to assist with studies on the effects of light pollution throughout the country both in terms of magnitude of dimming of the night sky and wavelengths blocked.

Finally, "Mars" will be in the news during this time. There's already been an increase in news stories on both traditional and social media. MSA would like to survey Australians their opinions about their awareness of Mars, Australia's involvement in space sciences and their expectations for future progress.

Reporting:

The MSA will be compiling the information and producing a report on the Mars opposition and people's opinions in Q4 2018. We'll be including everyone who contributed on the paper.

But wait, there's more.......

Plus we'll be making sure everyone who contributes data or helps get others to fill out our survey will receive a MSA Certificate and a "MSA Mars 2018" bumper sticker.

AND for the best overall images and the most useful observing report, Sky-Watcher Australia and Meade Instruments Australia will be providing $500 gift certificates for use on their webstores!

How to get involved:

1. Send us you images

Follow the link here for details on submitting your images of Mars to the MSA.

2. Complete the survey