Mark - O'Meara's book suggested a large scope and high power to dim the surface brightness of the planetary which otherwise overpowered the central star - but did not specify how big a scope or how much magnification, so next time I will use the biggest scope I can get at, 25 or 30, and as much magnification as the seeing will allow. Similar with splitting Beta Centauri which I have not managed yet. Hope we get you roaming the southern deep skies some time. We have had San Francisco amateur Bob Douglas observe with us on four trips.