Refractors are great for moon and planets. However, Mars is in a "bad spot". It's low in the horizon and therefore susceptible to turbulance and low-lining heat from the ground. You're probably all right, just had a bad seeing night (planetary wise anyway). Your eyepiece are Ok power wise. (Do you use a barlow lens?) Also Mars usually relies on a few colored filters to enhance detail. This goes for other planets too, but Mars is somewhat unique.

The 4" refractor you have isn't really considered a deep-sky scope in some regards. Of course you can indeed pull in some nice objects, but for faint fuzzies, no, not really. Now...that 10" Newt....that's a whole new ball game. I think you're fine. Wait for a good stable, good seeing night. Good Luck with the 10" or whatever you decide in. Clear skies!

• barlow lens - coolwater - July 5, 2001 - 18:03 UTC
  • Barlow Lens - comet61 - July 5, 2001 - 22:51 UTC