First Glimpse of Mars in 2016

Mars approaching opposition 1st May 2016. 127mm Meade Refractor and QHY5v planetary camera.

This year Mars as viewed from the UK is very low and close to the horizon, so getting clear and shap images of the red planet will be quite problematic. This photo was taken as it appeared and disappeared between the two houses that adjoin our backyard.  Anyway, I was quite pleased to have captured the northern polar cap and some white cloud on the western limb.