A. This Apparition of Mars is Closing
Mars is leaving away, the apparent diameter went down to below 8 arcseconds
by the end of January 2021 to enter the final stage of observation. Now the
red planet is prograding in Aries, then enters Taurus by the end of February
to pass through the south of Pleiades in the early March.
Thereafter Mars remains in the evening sky, progresses through Gemini and Cancer.
Mars solar conjunction occurs in Virgo on 09 October 2021.
The next approach occurs on 01 December 2022 (λ=348°Ls), with maximum
apparent diameter δ=17.1". Apparent diameter goes over 8 arcseconds in the
end of July 2022, appropriate period of starting observation when our
neighboring planet shines in Aries after the summer midnight.
B. The ASJ Award for the Outstanding Achievement by Amateur
For the award reason, the "Continuing observation of Mars as long as 87
years" and the "Publication of the journal bulletin Communications in Mars
Observations for over 34 years which enabled us to promote the
communication amongst international Mars observers" were highly valued.
This is owing to the endless contribution from the Mars observers all over
the world over the years, though from visual observation through silver salt
photography to digital imaging, the recording method has drastically changed
with time. Moreover, this is one of the fruits of our seniors' efforts to build out an
international Mars observational network.
We are grateful to all the observers who have contributed their
observational records.
On this 14 September 2021, the OAA (Oriental Astronomical Association) Mars
Section has received the Distinguished Service Award for the FY 2020
(Long-Term Division), in the annual convention 2021 of The Astronomical
Society of Japan (ASJ).
May we again tender our cordial thanks!
C. Conjunction 2021
The planet Mars was at conjunction on 8 October 2021. SOHO LASCO C2 images show the planet Mars has moved back to the morning sky.