This morning September 7, 2013 I decided to check for "Zodiacal Light" and also see how the Planet, Mars was doing on its march towards M-44 also known as, "The Bee Hive" star cluster.
No pillar of Zodiacal light was seen at any point but just before dawn at 05:41:42 CDT I made this image of "The Red Planet" as it approached M-44. Indeed a beautiful sight, one that might yet improve in the next couple of mornings, if the weather permits, I will be there to further document the journey of Mars as it transits this open star cluster.
Camera used was a Cannon 60Da astronomy camera with a 61mm x 250mm Baader Planetarium Vario Finder Scope as a lens. A 12 second exposure at f 4.1 with an ISO setting of 640 made the image.
Best,
Victor C. Rogus
Jadwin, MO