CHANGES ON MARS
CURIOUS MARKINGS
Observations of the planet Mars made during the last few days by offi-. cials at the Carter Observatory reveal some interesting changes. The black dot which was seen on the Equator last week has practically disappeared,- and is now only a faint trace of shading. What it was or is remains a conundrum.
Twice recently in the stmset region of the planet there has been observed the formation of a white patch. It is surmised that this may possibly be hoar frost forming in the late afternoon when temperatures on the planet's surface fall very considerably. The polar cap is also exhibiting a curious flattening.
A part of the surface of Mars known to astronomers as "solis lacus" has apparently undergone considerable changes since the planet was last in opposition. It has been known to change quite frequently in the- past, and its shape has altered considerably during the last few years. • Its behaviour will be watched with interesL
Tomorrow evening, in the Town Hall Concert Chamber, the Director of the Carter Observatory, Mr. M. Geddes, will give' an illustrated , lecture on Mars, and this should prove of great interest in view of the planet's comparative nearness to the earth.
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 14, 17 July 1939, Page 3
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205CHANGES ON MARS Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 14, 17 July 1939, Page 3
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