I have had a rough time in the Eastern USA due to a good bit of humidity which has brought a great deal of mist to settle in the night sky effectly blocking out all but the brightest stars. This weather pattern has persisted for the last month.

However, Mars is visible and I have observed it with my 114mm scope. Using a 15mm plossol and my 2X barlow I can make out the south polar ice cap and some serface detail. If I go the a 9mm and my 2x barlow distortion becomes a problem. Even so, if I stick at the eyepiece for a while at that mag, I can occasionly get a great look.

Lenny