Richard wrote:


Martin,

One other comment. You admit that 'the (total) session lasted perhaps
45 minutes to an hour' and 'Much of this time was spent going back and
forth to the accessory case and matching up a new eyepiece and filter.'

I suggest that if you are really serious about finding Mars' moons, you
need to spend at least that amount of time and concentration on just
that one task. I've seen them both with a 6" APO. Deimos several
times, and Phobos just once, but they are obviously extremely difficult.
Get Mars out of the field or use a simple occulting device.


Thanks for offering this. You are right. I should spend at least that much
time and probably be prepared to do a couple of hours.

Last night, one of the diffraction spikes that arise from the vanes which
support the secondary mount was directly over that "2 o'clock" position I
referred to. However, it did not seem so bright that the little moon would
not penetrate it. Now I realize that it more than likely was and that I
don't need anything other than optimum conditions for snaring Deimos or
Phobos.

Cartes du Ciel gives Mars a cuImination time of 10:49 p.m. for tonight and a
separation 49" between it and Deimos. . .which will occupy the ten o'clock
position in an inverted and flipped FOV. I'm also going to prepare an
occulting bar for the 6mm eyepiece. This EP yields 254x with my telescope's
1525mm focal length which is in the ballpark of the 287x which you
successfully employed. Finally, I'll assume a comfortable seated position
and glue myself to the eyepiece; catching every fleeting instance of perfect
seeing as it comes along.

Thanks very much for your good advice. It is very much appreciated.


Regards,


Martin