Dear all,
It’s my biggest pleasure to share with you a special image indeed which is the first from me on 2010, the first of Mars and the first of my new telescope!
In fact, I had the longest ever spell of poor weather I can remember, but after 106 days I could finally break my inaction in a some way.
The special telescope I’ve built for myself only is a genuine Cassegrain 400mm with the usual Gladius-like design, but much bigger in size and weight. It also features a f/4 imaging solution at the parabolic primary’s focus by replacing the secondary mirror for deep sky imaging.
This telescope was named Gladius XVI (16, in roman letters) because this is the “key number” (16″ f/16) with it and the optical set has been manufactured by italian optician Luigi Marcon, my trusty supplier with glass!
Visually speaking, Mars is a boring beacon whose light is hard to tame without filters. I could even perceive in some steady moment the elusive Deimos moon when this was far away enough from the planet!
On Jan. 23 eve, I could finally fit my camera there and catch the Mars light for the first time!
Although conditions were all but great, these were enough to take an image.
Find it in my blog webpage:

MARS JAN. 23, 2010

Colors are very close to those I noticed at the eyepiece, but not the contrast which was quite enhanced through the image.
It looks to me Mars this year is showing some weaker albedo variations than last years. I’m not sure if it’s me or the seeing or what else…
I’d like to know your visual impressions.
Let’s hope I could have some steady night soon or later to enjoy the new beast here with me.
Your comments are welcome!
All the best.