Spent some time with Mars last night. Very beautiful. The Moon was out, big and bright, washing out all but the brightest stars. I knew that Mars wouldn't be high enough in the sky to see from inside MPO until around 10:30, so I got things set up before the sun went down, then went back outside around 9:30 to get started. (That way, I don't have to spend 4+ hours in sub-freezing temps!!!)
I took several video sequences of the Red Planet. I have software that will align and stack the individual frames from the video to create a high-quality still image. The image below was created from 600 video frames:

Gee...wouldn't you know...after clouds and rain for the past couple of weeks, it clears up for a perfect Thanksgiving. Still cold, though...only 48 degrees. The temp dropped to 21 last night.

I'm going to get the scope set up for a Mars imaging session tonight. Hopefully, no fog. (It stayed nice and clear last night, so tonight should be the same).

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Waiting for Mars (26 degrees!).....

Worth the wait...

While the Japanese KAGUYA spacecraft is currently orbiting the Moon, and sending back some incredible HDTV images of the lunar surface (including recent footage of Earthrise and Earthset),http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHuRRDshhg

the Chinese have successfully placed their own probe into lunar orbit.
http://www.moondaily.com/reports/First_China_Lunar_Probe_To_Activate_Observation_Payloads_On_Monday_999.html

In other related news, Russia's Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) and the Indian Department of Space have signed a joint lunar research and exploration agreement:
http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Russia_And_India_Sign_Joint_Lunar_Research_Deal_999.html

It sure looks like the next 10 years will be pretty exciting (and crowded) for ol' Luna!!!!!