My friend Robert Burnham sent me a link to this incredible shot of Mars, made by Australian amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley. Anthony used a 16-inch scope and shot the image on March 6, 2014, from Murrumbateman, Australia. At the time, Mars was some 12.3 arcseconds across, and this photo shows great detail in the polar caps, albedo markings, and clouds — just great stuff.
Mars is of course at its best in approximately six years just about now, reaching opposition tomorrow. Enjoy the Red Planet!!!