Viewing of Mars

[pdicaprio]

I have been out twice in the last week (Long Island New York area) and attempted to look at mars. I have a skyquest XT8 scope, which i have used less than 5 times (i am new to astronomy). On both occasions, all i could see for mares was a bright orange ball. I used first a 17mm and 5 mm Plossl eyepiece. I also tried both with a shorty 2x barlow. I can make out a very small disk that is bright orange, but in some ways it seems like the view is too bright that i get rays and couldnt make out any details. The scope has a 1200mm focal length. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks.<br /><br /> <br /><br />