On Thu, 07 Feb 2019 07:13:55 -0700, Chris L Peterson
wrote:
FWIW, I normally play these observation games near the middle of the
day. An hour after sunrise or before sunset would probably boost the
chances of seeing something.

If so, your success in seeing Mars near noon is impressive, because
Mars must then be nearer the Sun than about 90 degrees to be above
the horizon at noon, and then Mars will be fainter than Arcturus.