I had my first look at Mars this morning (4.30am) since buying my scope.
It was less spectacular than I had imagined. Although I could get a nice clear disk, it was hard to observe much in terms of surface detail except a fleeting sense of a lighter patch towards the top. Otherwise, it was just a general orangy colour. The disk jumped around a lot, and was hard to get a sharp focus on.
I have read from other posts that the quality of the visual image is not great if bringing the scope outside from warmer environment, because of the temperature differential. I was out until about 5.45am, maybe not long enough for the scope to cool to the ambient temperature??
It was my first am viewing. Normally I set the scope up before nightfall, and then go out later from about 9pm, and do my viewing then.
Does anyone have any tips for early am viewing? In particular, does anyone set up their scope outside before going to bed, then come out to it in the early am? My fear is RAIN! I have a tarp, but having spent so much money on my scope, I would be VERY upset if the scope got wet!!
Any thoughts welcome.
Rod
PS I then went on to spend some time in Sagittarius. Fantastic!