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Dust Storms Raging on Mars?

Lunar & PlanetaryALERT ISSUED by the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers July 2, 2003

ALPO issued a dust storm alert on Wednesday July 2 to all Mars section recorders. It seems that dust storms originating in the Hellas Basin region are gathering strength, threatening to become a global event. See the full story in the ALPO Mars Section.

Here you'll find the most recently posted observations by the ALPO recorders, including both sketches and pics/CCDimages. The page opens some 100 or more images from the past few months. Notice in the top (most recent) section that many images are from noted Arkansas Mars recorder P. Clay Sherrod of the Arkansas Skies Observatory.

We will keep a close watch on this site as well as all AOAS Mars observers should be sketching and imaging Mars at EVERY opportunity in case these are the last few days that surface details will be visible if these storms truly do become global. Watch for a gradual "smoothing" of coloration and a decrease of details in surface features which would indicate that Mars closest approach in recorded history will likely be a washout for the day of closest approach on August 27.

Story origianlly submitted by AOAS member Bob Moody.
Dust Storms Raging on Mars? | 2 comments | Create New Account
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Dust Storms Raging on Mars?
Authored by: bobmoody onWednesday, July 23 2003 @ 07:35 pm EDT
UPDATE JULY 23, 2003....My observation of Mars this morning revealed the very smoothly colored face exhibiting the unique \"Eye of Mars\" known as SOLIS LACUS near the central meridian of approx. 121 degrees. The smooth coloration MAY have been a result of yesterday\'s passage of a weak cold front with t\'storms. Dewing was very heavy. The southern hemisphere was darker than the northern, but little detail except for an occasional moment of clarity when the \"Eye\" popped out briefly.

The ALPO Mars Section is still receiving good pics and drawings, with no evidence of a global dust storm (yet). Let\'s hope that the 2003 season remains relatively dust free.
Dust Storms Raging on Mars?
Authored by: dgrosvold onFriday, August 22 2003 @ 06:13 am EDT
Update: August 21st. Based on current MARS weather predictions,
we\'re expecting clear Martian skies for August 27th and beyond.
Should make for some spectacular viewing earthside!

---
Dave Grosvold
Exploring the universe...
Exploring the depths...
Exploring the unknown.

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