ODing on Mars

Mars madness is in full swing. I'm running three...four scopes a night. Webcam and visual until dawn...sleep like a vampire.

Actually I am trying to get the best combo for public viewing this weekend at a remote site. A 5" achro refractor is portable and has a driven mount, but the undriven 12.5" Starmaster gives views to die for. The C9.25 on a driven mount would be a nice compromise?

What's does experience say is best for large family or public viewing even if it means a step stool for the Dob?

Hello, Mike.

My vote is on the 9.25" SCT, mostly because public viewers always tend to grab at the scope and eyepiece, and on an SCT that will be closer to the center of rotation and won't be pushed as easily. Also the tracking will make things a lot easier for you.

You might also put on the dewshield if you have one and extend the legs far so the corrector is out of reach if children will be present... that clean multi-coated glass sure attracts children's hands quickly! :^)

Bruce.