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Mars never gets bigger than 25 arc-seconds across in apparent size, and this opposition will be about the worst it could be in terms of distance from Earth.

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I used to get caught up in the arc sec. versus opposition and wether or not to get excited about it coming up or not. The fact is, for me, Mars starts really happening when it crests 10". After that its the Mars show and what seems to dominate my concerns after that point isnt wether or not the
the planet hits over 15" but just how good the SEEING is.

Wow, on a night of truly good seeing, I can forgive a whole heck of a lot in terms of diameter size so long as I can get crisp focus at a good magnification. Often on those nights, it can be so good, in terms of reflecting on the memories over the years THATS what sticks. The time Mars was all fat and low in the ecliptic - all I did was lament the times I could see it way up in Gemini for example.

True to form - nothing beats truly good seeing AND a large arc second image. By and by though, usually after it crests 10 seconds the details and colors become so complex when the seeing settles, you have your share of amazement.

I may be alone in that, but I gave up on the opposition rating system in favor of getting good seeing. When that happens, the planet and the scope often take care of the rest.

Pete

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