THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA

                                                                      Bulletin No. 7
                                                                        - Part 2
                                    PLANETARY SECTION


                              MARS COLOUR REFERENCE SYSTEM

The purpose of this project is to compile a colour map of Mars utilizing a system which,
it is hoped, win eliminate the difficulties which arise from the inability of observers
to objectively convey to others the subtle colours seen On Mars. Colour sketches can
be made, of course, but media which are capable of giving a true representation are
difficult to use at the telescope and are also time consuming.

The system selected is designed to make it unnecessary for the observer to decide upon a
name for a colour seen; he simply records a code number which refers to a particular hue
and tint in the reference system. In this manner a more objective summary of all obser-
vations submitted can be made.

The Colour Reference System consists of two series -
I  -  a red-yellow group consisting of 6 strips, each containing 7 colour "chips",
      providing 42 shades;

II -  a grey group consisting of 5 strips, each containing 7 "chips", providing 35 shades.

The observer thus has a total of 77 shades from which to select a possible match for the
colours seen on Mars.

The shades selected for this experiment have been taken from the Du Pont "Colorizer"
paint system and have been chosen fran among the 1322 available tints on the basis of
colour observations made at previous apparitions of Mars. The shades encompass a wider
range than has been observed in the past but are included in order to avoid confining
observers to a "prejudiced" selection.

Beneath each "chip" on a strip is a code number by which that particular shade is to be
identified. In the upper right corner of each strip is found a number which can be used
to readily arrange the strips in order of hue, as follows:

       Red-Yellow Series Strip No.25                 Grey Series - Strip No.125
                                  26                                        149
                                  33                                        155
                                  41                                        157
                                  42                                        158
                                  57

The observer may experiment in order to find the most convenient manner in which to handle
the colour strips but it is suggested that they may be fastened together, in two groups,
by means of a fastener inserted through the holes at the top, or they may be glued or
stapled to a sheet of cardboard. One method requires that the strips be viewed in turn
while the other permits them to be seen all at once.

Essential pieces of equipment are a small clip-board to hold the sketching paper; a good
light source, preferably a 60 or 100 watt frosted white bulb placed at the telescope;
and sufficient extension cord to reach a source of house current.

The presence of a strong light near the telescope is not detrimental, as in other types
of observing, owing to the brightness of the Martian image, and is necessary for proper
viewing of the colour chips.

Planetary Section, Bulletin No.7 - Part 2                                            -2-


Naturally, colour filters are NOT to be used over the eyepiece.

It is recanmended that the observer first sketch the major Martian surface on a prepared
disk and, with pencil only, lightly shade in the darker areas. After a period of 20
minutes (to permit eye adaptation) he should then compare the group of red-yellow reference
strips, one by ore, with the general over-all appearance of Mars as seen in the telescope.
Initially, this comparison might prove to be difficult, but with a little perseverance an
observer will narrow his choice down to one strip and then, with further comparison, select
One colour chip as being representative of the general colour of the Martian desert area.
The observer would then take up the group of grey strips and, following the same procedure,
would choose the closest colour match for the dark areas. He should then make note of the
corresponding numbers of the colours selected, to one side of the Mars drawing,

The observer, having by now become familiar with the use of the Colour Reference System,
should then examine a selected region on the Martian disk for subtle differences of colour,
Such areas have been observed in the past on both the light and dark regions of Mars.
When localized colour variations are observed, an outline depicting the boundaries and
extent of such colour change should be noted on the drawing and the code number for this
colour lettered directly on the drawing. Should this area be too small to superimpose
the code number, simply use an arrow to identify it. An example of a hypothetical Mars
drawing is presented below to aid the observer in the proper use of the Colour Reference
System.






(Mars diagram here.)





                                                Archie L. Ostrander,
                                                National Co-ordinator,
                                                Planetary Section,
                              STANDING COMMITTEE ON OBSERVATIONAL ACTIVITIES
                                                75 Rabbit Lane,
29 March, 1967.                                 Islington, Ontario.