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Re: Sketching Method: (was (IAAC) Your deep sky projects)
Fiske,
I usually spend no more than twenty minutes looking at a
single object, and often less. After that, you run into seriously diminishing
returns. I know of observers who claim to spend up to two hours looking at a
single object, but frankly, I believe they're wasting their time (or simply
exaggerating).
The circles on my field sheets are 4" in diameter. I find this
quite large enough to display the sort of detail visible through my 'scope for
most objects. If the object warrants it, I can always add another sheet with a
bigger circle!
I envy you the ability to make a satisfactory sketch at the
eyepiece. I just can't do it. The red light I use is far too dim to allow
shading with any hope of accuracy. The point I made about pencil on damp paper
is also relevant here. I observe in the open air. If you have some kind of
observatory building, then that would help tremendously in keeping the dew off
the paper. A black ink sketch or three and appropriate notes, combined with
fresh memory, allows me to make my sketches the morning after.
Cheers,
Patrick
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, November 09, 2002 6:01
PM
Subject: Re: Sketching Method: (was
(IAAC) Your deep sky projects)
Patrick:
Thanks
for sharing your sketching techniques. I've been sketching deep-sky objects
for several years and have found that it is difficult to accurately record
detail in small objects (most galaxies! :-) ) drawn at their
actual size in the field of view. I've also been in the habit of handling the
shading and blending at the scope, which is pretty tricky under dim lighting.
Your idea about letting the object drift through the field of view is
wonderful. It never occurred to me to try this, and I'm eager to give it a
shot. The idea of outlining details and making drawings of individual details
for a later final drawing also sounds very promising.
Would you be
willing to answer a few questions. First, how long do you spend on each
drawing at the telescope. Secondly, what size circles do you use?
I
have found myself preferring larger circles. I've been using 4-inch circles
recently and am planning to try 8-inch circles. For one thing, it is easier to
plot stars accurately in a larger circle -- slight positioning problems become
less critical as the size of the circle increases.
Fiske Miles
Kansas City
References: