Two sketches: Mizar, and Langrenus 19/03/2022

Hello everyone,

I hope you are keeping well.

With a clear night last night I spent most of it observing from my eastward facing backgarden. I began observing with my f/5 250mm Newtonian Reflector on a Dobsonian base from 19:27UT. I had planned to go after M48 in Hydra. However, I found it too difficult to locate because it seems that the bracket that holds my finder scope needs to be remounted. For example, each time I had my 10X50, or my 9X50 finder mounted and aimed at the night sky it was miles off. I tried adjusting the finder screws on the finder scopes, but no joy was to be had. And it was for this reason, I observed and sketched Mizar last night.

Despite the strong wind I could see its B star at 50X. I know that both stars are listed as white in 'Turn Left at Orion', but I thought the B component had the ever so slight hint of a very bright yellow hue to it. I have tried to colourise it in Gimp to relfect what I saw, but I'm sure I was imagining it. What I can say with certainty was that the A component displayed a very nice airy disk last night. At approximately 21:30UT, I decided to call it a night and head out to do a food shop.

As I was leaving the house I noticed the Moon was rising low in the East. I decided that I'd use the Moon to realign the bracket on my scope, but I had to wait until close to midnight before it was high enough in the sky to observe it from the backgarden.Unfortunately, I still could not fix the the bracket : (

So, I might ask one of you kind people to help me out next time were together at the Sugar Loaf - I hope that's OK?

While I was out after midnight trying to fix the bracket, I noticed that the wind had died down. I couldn't resist sketching a crater - after all it has been quite some time since my last lunar sketch. With 96.4% of the Moon's surface illuminated, there were few objects to choose from though. However, 'Langrenus' was close to the terminator, and its central peaks cast two beautiful triangular-shaped shadows - so I settled on that crater. I sketched it at 139X, and went with a simple pencil on white paper - I hope you like it!

I have to say, it felt wonderful to do a long observing session again - I've really missed those nights.

Onwards and upwards from here!

Clear skies all,

Darren. 

 

 

 

That is quite beautiful. I think sketching is a dying art. Many years ago that was the only means of recording. I think science and art overlap. You've just shown that. Stunning.

Hi Neil, 

Very many thanks for your kind words. I prefer to use pastels on back paper when illustrating the Moon, but I decided to just go with pencil on white paper for some reason that night. So, I'm delighted you like it. If you haven't already you must check the sketching forum over on www.cloudynights.com because you'll be blown away by the Lunar sketches there. Also, Paul Byrne has several amazing sketches on this forum too... They're well worth a look too. 

Thanks again and clear skies to you, 

Darren. 

HELLO, EVERYONE! I'M BACK!
MY CORONA VIRUS HAS FINALLY GONE!
I have been assured by my friend the professor that I'm perfectly safe to go about my business at any time. 
First priority is to go for a walk after lunch. 
The second is to have a night under God's stars tonight!

Thirdly to bring my car for a much-needed long long drive on Monday night. 
That's because it is a diesel.

Dear Darren: I thank you for your prayers. I just have that little bit of mucus today which I suspect will last until next weekend.  

Anyway, I wish you one and all clear skies, 

Aubrey.  
 

Oh and Darren. 

I thank you for these truly sensational sketches of Mizar, Alcor and the lunar crater Langrenus. The twin peaks are extremely exquisite.

Best regards from your virus-free pal, Aubrey.  

 

Hi Aubrey, 

Very many thanks for your kind words. I'm delighted to hear you're on the mend, and I hope you spent some time with your scope last night. 

Clear skies, and wishing a speedy and full recovery, 
Darren.