M45 Sketch

Hi All,

With the bright moon last week I had not planned to sketch any DSO. However, as I was packing up for the night last Friday after observing the moon, M45 was visible in the east, so I decided to 'give it a go'.

While there's certainly room for improvement, I've tried to capture this beautiful open cluster to the best of my ability. What's more, I'm finding sketching a really useful way of seeing more in the eyepiece. For example, during the sketching process I noticed a couple of rather nice orange stars in the cluster - something I had not seen before. Unfortunately, I've yet to see any nebulosity surrounding Merope.

Thus, any advice, tips, or techniques that you use to help bring out IC 349 when observing M45 would be very much welcomed.

Kindest regards,

Darren.

Well done - it must be a relaxing hobby....actually doing the sketching I mean. As you indicated, it also makes you look closer at what is visible in the eyepiece.   

Kinch.

Hi Kinch,

Very many thanks for your kind feedback. I am thoroughly enjoying the sketching side of amateur astronomy as it can also provide a sense of purpose to each observational session. Prior to engaging in the activity, I'd bring the scope out and slew from one object to another - M31, M33, Double-Cluster in Perseus, Vega, etc. Don't get me wrong, I was learning the night sky and enjoying it, but now each session feels somewhat less frantic: more like savouring the night the sky than scarfing it!

From my experience (albeit quite limited), I'd certainly encourage anyone to sketch the stars. 

Clear skies,
Darren.

Delightful sketch, Darren!

It is very pleasing you managed to put Alcyone right at the centre.

Clear skies,

Aubrey.

Hi Aubrey, 

I hope you're keeping well, and very many thanks for your positive feedback.

When sketching M45 I tried to keep Electra and Teygeta at the bottom left of the eyepiece. Consequently, Alcyone would position itself quite nicely in the middle of my FOV.

Chat soon and kindest regards, 

Darren. 

Nice work.  Try using a pair of binoculars, they show the entire cluster beautifully and when mounted on a tripod makes sketching easier.