Seeing the Martian moons with a pair of $60 binoculars

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of observing the Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, using a pair of $60 binoculars. Participants explore the challenges of visibility due to the moons' small size and proximity to Mars, as well as alternative observational techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that it is not possible to see the Martian moons with $60 binoculars due to their small size and close orbit to Mars.
  • Others suggest that while direct observation may be unlikely, long CCD exposures and software could potentially reveal Deimos in an image.
  • One participant references the law of diffraction, indicating that the optics diameter would not support visibility of the moons.
  • A participant shares an anecdote about using an occulting bar with a large telescope to block Mars in order to observe the moons, noting that while they could not see them, others in their group claimed to have seen them and their sketches matched the expected positions.
  • There is a mention that Jovian moons are more impressive and easier to observe, suggesting a contrast with the Martian moons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of observing the Martian moons with binoculars, with some asserting it is impossible while others suggest alternative methods may yield results. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the actual visibility of the moons.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about optical capabilities and observational conditions, as well as the limitations of personal experiences in astronomy.

Alltimegreat1
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Is it possible?
 
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Not a chance, sorry. They're extremely tiny and orbit very close to Mars. Even with a large telescope you probably wouldn't be able to see them. Perhaps with some long CCD exposures and some software you might be able to get Deimos in an image.
 
Alltimegreat1 said:
Is it possible?
The law of diffraction provides the answer based on your optics diameter - and it is negative
 
Jovian moons are worth going for, though. Very impressive, for some reason. I guess it's because they are probably the first thing you see with your Real Astronomer's hat on.
 
I once modified an eyepiece with an occulting bar. It's a piece of wire threaded across the diameter of the eyepiece at the focal point. I tried it on a rather large telescope (24 in?) in Sonoma county under a dark moonless night while Mars was at opposition. The occulting bar was used to block Mars so perhaps the moons would be visible.

I couldn't see them. But others in our group claimed they could. I asked them to sketch what they saw. Later, I looked up where the moons should have been at that time. It matched their observations.
 

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