Martian North Polar Cap and Haze 1981-1982

Abstract

Abstract Results of the photographic observations of Mars at the Kwasan and Hida Observatories in the retreat and remnant phases of the north polar cap during the 1981–1982 apparition are reported. The regression of the north polar cap is examined with the measurements of the photographs, and compared with previous works. Contour maps of the permanent north polar cap are derived for two epochs of Ls = 96°–106° and 111°–133°. The behavior of the haze that covers the north polar region before the northern summer solstice is examined. The behaviors of the north polar cap and of the haze in the north polar region are different from year to year.