Mars problems

I'm wondering if I am doing something wrong. I have an Orion XT8 Dob (1200mm focal length). I have 25mm, 10mm, 6mm and 4mm eyepieces and a 3X Barlow. Last night I used every possible combo with the barlow and my eyepieces and the best I could see was a hazy orange-ish sphere. VERY hazy with no markings at all (just a gaussian surface). The sky was extremely clear but I fear I was having the problem because it was rather light outside due to the moon on the horizon and the general horrible light pollution around the area (Pittsburgh). I am planning on going somewhere remote, very far from the city (nice and dark) tonight and am wondering if what I have will suffice in viewing Mars. Thanks in advance!!!

Hello there Jon,

Contrary to the myth ;-), planets are not affected by light pollution or the Moon (even a full Moon close by).

Mars is a difficult planet for the beginner (and returned observers also ;-). As already mentioned, wait for the planets to be high in the sky (currently around 3am local time). Also, if the seeing is bad, you may not be able see much details. Mars is currently very bright and you'll need some sort of filters for your 8-inch Dob. You may wish to consult the Mars HOW-TO to learn more on how to observe this best of the best planets ;-).
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1208

Best wishes on your next ry.

Ron B[ee]

Filters would probably help as the contrast on Mars to the naked eye is not that great. I was out about 1 a.m. Saturday in the wind and the dark areas I saw could only be identified by me by going to the ALPO Mars web pages. I was out this morning about 5:15 EDT and could just barely distinguish Solis Lacus. Both nights my seeing was best at 171x with my 127mm Starmax (and a light blue filter).

I was viewing at around 3:30am EST, so mars was close to zenith. I tried again on saturday night with much better results(200x, 6mm eyepiece). I believe that my scope was definitely at equilibrium this latest time and that gave me buch better results, however, I do not own and filters and I believe that is why I am not seeing too much contrast. My friend and I think we could see some variations in the pale orange-ish red color of the disc but that could have been due to our excitement of seeing a small part of the Orion Nebula for the first time (first nebula ever actually). I think some filters may help me in my plight. Thank you all for the suggestions!!

I have a Hardin 10" DSH and various EPs. Mars views have been disappointing at best. Personally, I think most of the Mars hype is the result telescope marketing and wishful thinking.

I looked up at Mars today about 10pm and it looked whiter than usual. I looked at it through my XT10 and it just looked like a bright star, no detail. White. Is this due to our atmosphere or is it those Martian dust storms? A week or so ago it looked more orange.