In article .net,
"Starstuffed" wrote:

The eastern edge of the planet had a curious white tint to it. Not being an
experienced planetary observer, I wasn't sure what I was seeing. I thought
at first it was something the eyepiece was "adding" something to the image
but the effect was present through all the eyepieces. Clouds? A storm of
some type on the surface? I tried different filters to see how or if they
altered this whitening of the edge. It shown through them all with pretty
much the same relative intensity.


In the last three nights, I have also noted (6" APO, 287X) the Amazonis
covered with cloud when on the limb. But for me, it is most visible
with a blue filter.



Cartes du Ciel revealed Deimos 49" away from the planets disk in
approximately the 2 o'clock position (taking in account the image flipping
inherent in astronomical scopes). This seemed a respectable distace so I
decided to concentrate on seeing the little moon. No luck. My inability to
observe the Martian moons is a major disappointment.

At 11:00 p.m., Lake Stevens time, I called it a night and brought the
telescope in the house. I seemed to be slightly frustrated with the
evening. Perhaps this is because of my relative inexperience in observing
planets.
Then again, maybe I'm realizing that Phobos and Deimos will always escape my
detection with the present telescope at my present location.



I assume you are doing all the things that will increase your chances of
success? There are so many variables when looking for Deimos & Phobos
that it is best to just keep trying. They (especially Deimos) are still
possible during this opposition with 12" of aperture. The answer is
patience. BTW, I think you packed up your gear before Mars reached the
meridian- that doesn't help your odds.

Starry Skies,
Rich