Most of the following pencil and paper sketches were done at the eyepiece through 150mm MCT Argo. (A few through the 80mm Pup - possibly stopped down to smaller apertures.) Once each sketch is executed, it is scanned into the computer and inverted - so in effect each drawing is begins as a "negative" and is then "developed" into a "positive" print using a graphics program.

Keep in mind as you view the images, that artifacts may enter into them during scanning, file compression and re-sizing. This, along with my own lack of precision drawing skills, is one reason why there is nothing especially "scientific" about the series. Each sketch is simply a modest attempt to give the viewer a sense of what can be seen through one scope or the other on any given night.

To determine the subject of the sketch - along with the date of execution - simply right click on the image and view image properties. The designation of each study and date of drawing is embedded in the filename. (If a drawing was done using a different aperture that too is added to the filename.) Finally either the first paragraph of the associated observing report or a full discussion is found along with each image.

The sketch at right suffers from a bit too much subject matter familiarity on my part. I've viewed M57 under so many conditions and through so many scopes that it was difficult to sketch it as I would any other study. In fact, the drawing is probably no less or more accurate than others posted here. During its execution I had to remind myself that I was simply rendering an "impression" - not a photograph. Some things to notice: 150mm Argo usually makes ansae truncation obvious. While, the smaller image scale of the 80mm Pup failed to define the major-axis frontiers. This despite the fact that seeing conditions were quite transparent (~5.3 ULM) and stable (7/10). However, the annularity of the King of Rings was easily detected and gradations in surface brightness were also seen (although probably not well captured in the drawing.) (No other report filed.)
	M27 ranks with M57 as the finest studies of their type (planetary nebulae) visible from Backyard Boulder Creek. The sketch at left was made at the 48x eyepiece of the 80mm Pup under decent - though not optimal transparency (5.0 ULM) skies. Despite less than satisfactory conditions, a distinct hint of "blueness" (excited oxygen) was seen about the planetary. The eastern frontier of the nebula was seen better defined than the west while the southeast and northeast quadrants showed enhanced higher surface brightness. Although shrinking and scanning the image gives the impression of two stars visible embedded within the nebulosity, only one such was seen within the northeastern quadrant) at the time of the sketch. A check of the M57 star field showed that stars to magnitude 11.5 could be held direct through the 80mm Pup on this occasion. (No other report filed.)
Like all sketches executed from Backyard Boulder Creek through winter skies thusfar, that at right was done under significantly less than optimal conditions. Overhead stars to magnitude 5.0 are about the limit (unaided and direct) most moonless nights. While the sub-equatorial southern sky (in this case Puppis) is probably .3 to .5 magnitudes less transparent. Of course none of this is really problematic when it comes to open clusters - in fact it may very well be a boon! Why? Because certain "aperture-optimal" clusters (such as M46 at left) have a surplus of stars! Unfortunately, the line of sight planetary nebula (NGC2438) embedded in the cluster was very difficult under the conditions. (Frankly it could only be detected with extreme aversion.) Another factor affecting both the accuracy of the sketch and the clarity of the planetary was the magnification - some 120x. To be honest I selected this magnification for its 25 arc minute diameter field. Had I not done so my drawing hand would have been overwhelmed by the wealth of winter Milky Stars that ensconce the cluster and give the region an "Angel Fish" appearance at low magnifications. (No report filed.)
	The twin-star enshrouded nebular mist of M78 places it among the most easily recognizable deepsky studies. Although Orion was well-positioned at the time (approaching culmination), sky conditions were marginally transparent (high thin clouds ~4.8ULM). The sketch (at left) was made at the eyepiece of 150mm Argo through the 52x 35mm Ultrascopic eyepiece. Neighboring reflecting nebula NGC2071 (northeast of M78) was very difficult and really needed 5.5ULM conditions for ease of detection... (No report filed.)
Open cluster CR140 lies in far southern Canis Majoris. In making the sketch, had to ignore the huge bloated disks of its brightest stellar members. The group is quite sparsely populated with the bulk of its luminosity originating from a quartet of 5th and 6th magnitude stars. About a dozen other members seen (down to the 65x, 10th magnitude limit of the 57mm aperture-stopped Pup). (No report filed.)
	M33 (the Triangulum Galaxy) is second only to M31 (The Great Galaxy in Andromeda) among the Messiers (in terms of size and integrated magnitude). This very large, low average surface brightness study requires every bit of an optimal 5.5 ULM sky to clearly delineate its face on spiral structure. Under poorer conditions (as on this occasion) - every trick of stray light occlusion and averted vision was needed to make out the brighter northeastern spiral extension. Even so, the dimmer southwestern extension remained only the vaguest of possibilities. (Sketch augmented away from the 52x eyepiece to avoid use of the red-filtered flashlight. No report filed.)
On a decent night of seeing - and despite relatively low sky position - M79 will often reveal about a dozen outlying members through a six inch scope. On this occasion though, winter's only accessible globular was doubly afflicted due to poor transparency and stability (~4.6ULM and 5/10). Despite this, the globular showed a star-like core, brightish core region along with distinct flaring and perceptible flattening. (Sketch done at 150mm Argos 15mm Ultrascopic eyepiece - 120x. No report filed.)
	This and the following sketch (of NGC2244) were done between 8 and 9 on the evening of Tuesday, February 5th, 2002. Sky conditions were quite good (~7/10 & 5.0 ULM). The Pup was at its full 80mms of aperture. Both clusters are classed as 3 inch optimal studies. Neither shows a high degree of concentration (although NGC2244 is dominated by a group of over a half-dozen 7th magnitude stars at center). The popular name for the group depicted at left is "The Christmas Tree Cluster" A single 5th magnitude star dominates the cluster to the north - and should you imaginitively flip the field over north to south it becomes pretty clear as to why... (No report filed.)
NGC2264 (above) and NGC2244 (right) were both sketched under fine seeing conditions at the eyepiece of the 80mm Pup achromat. The super eye relief 35mm Ultrascopic in conjunction with 3x Ultrascopic and (2x nominal) Shorty barlows boosted the magnification to about 60x. (Field of view about 45 arc minutes.) This cluster (NGC2244) showed two interesting characteristics: One is the large expanse to the northwest which was devoid of any stars bright enough to be held direct. (The Pup should have revealed stars close to magnitude 11.5 this particular evening. The other was that very faint luminosity could be seen sweeping around from the 6 to 12 o'clock positions. None of which was seen in the region of the bright group of central stars in the cluster. This of course was part of the famous Rosette Nebula - something I had not expected to notice at such large image scale through an 80mm instrument. (No report filed.)
	As the sky darkened on Saturday, began the sketch (at right) of M45. This through the "optimally-apertured" 57mm Pup. Found that the 35mm Ultrascopic eyepiece and 3x Ultrascopic Barlow (36x) were just able to frame the entire cluster. Enjoyed watching the faint stars come out to play as skydark approached. By ULM 4.8, quite a bit of "nebulosity" was present. But since the sketch was strictly about the cluster, and no part of the nebulosity stood independent of the brightest Pleiades members, elected not to include it. Show Report
The region sketched (at right) lies due north of the Great Nebulae of Orion. In fact, had I used 36x instead of 48, I could have included M43 and parts of M42 in the image. The nebula enshrouded open cluster NGC1981 is seen at center in the field. Wasn't sure there was supposed to be any nebulae visible, so checked the region through the Ultrablock nebulae filter. The most concentrated region of nebulosity is seen southeast. This nebulosity (presumably NGC 1973, 1975 and 1977 - vintages), was obvious to my eye and showed a perceptible luminosity gradient. Despite this, I rather doubt the reported integrated magnitude of this 10 by 20 arc-minute region (5.0). My best guess is magnitude 7 cumulative. This suggests that the optimal view would be given through a 100mm scope under 5.5 ULM skies - rather than through the 57mm aperture stopped shortTube Pup at 5.0 ULM of the evening... Show Report
	This sketch clearly shows the light background glow east of the "Eagle" that makes it perceptible. If you look at actual astrophotos of the Great Nebula, you will not see an "obscuration region" as depicted here. What you will see is an extensive and dim "pinkish" glow not visible to the eye through most amateur equipment. Meanwhile, the bright reflection nebulae M42 and M43 can be clearly seen sandwiching the obscuration. Seeing the Eagle spread its wings is one of the most extraordinary aspects of the Great Nebula - and the part of it that is actually lost in photos and CCD images. The Great Eagle of Obscuration is an essential part of any "optimal view" of this most spectacular deepsky delight. Show Report
M41 in Canis Major is classed as a three inch study - but the sketch at right barely gives the cluster its full due. Though culminating, M41 lay well down into a region of visible irradiation (caused by a rising third quarter Moon). As a result, some of its fainter stars were only seen on aversion. Sketch made at the one degree field 48x eyepiece through the F5 achromat Pup's full 80mm's of aperture. Show Report
	The Perseus Double Cluster is a spectacular study in just about any scope. Three inches of aperture gives the full impact of "cluster" by sprinkling numerous faint stars throughout the field. The sketch (at left) was done at the 48x eyepiece of the 80mm Pup under 5.0 ULM conditions. Stability was very good and member stars shown like tiny luminous jewels against an ebony sky. Both clusters easily fit the 1 degree field. A barlow was used to run up the magnification. This helped maintain the excellent eye relief of the 25mm Ultrascopic eyepiece - something especially appreciated while sketching... Show Report
Even through 57mm's of stopped-down aperture, more detail is possible in M31 than any other galaxy visible from the northern hemisphere. In the sketch at right, the 25mm Ultrascopic with 3x barlow is used to get a full one degree field at 48x. At the eyepiece, both the southwestern and northeastern spiral arms could be seen to extend (faintly) to the very edge of the field. The northwestern frontier was clearly more delineated than southeastern. The galaxy's core quite intense and starlike. The core region could be seen to elongate toward the southwestern spiral arm. At a full 80mms, the galaxy brightened perceptibly and its spiral extensions could be traced easily to the limits of the field of view. Show Report
	The Great Nebula of Orion continues to sink low to the southwest early in the evening. Though the (drawing at left) does it no justice, perhaps there is no finer tribute than (an attempt at) art emulating nature. Oh Great One, we salute you! Show Report
In making the drawing at (right), I used the same approach as that of the Moon. I started out capturing the star field surrounding the galaxy pair. Then added the parts of the galaxy that I could make out. Despite the nice transparency of the evening the Moon did have an impact here. First, it was tough on dark adaptation. So the eyes are less than exceptionally sensitive with the Moon in the sky. (A related problem for backyard astronomers are uncontrolled street lamps and neighbors house lights.) Second the effect of the Moon is worse while using low power eyepieces. You'll recall that I did my Praespe scope limit test at 180X. The image at left was done at 40X (using the Pup) and 52X (using Argo). (Although I added a few details after switching to 70X - especially the bar across M82's hindend.) Show Report
	Of the three galaxies in the drawing at left, only the two Messier's could be held with direct vision (under current conditions). It seemed to my eye that M66 (upper right) presented the best view. M65 (lower right) required perhaps a tad more effort. The NGC galaxy (NGC3628) required every trick of the trade to reveal itself. So assume what you are seeing at left is how the galaxies look when such visual tricks are played. Without them there would have been no NGC galaxy and only the brightest part of the Messier's cores were detectable. Show Report
Back out sketching by 10:15. This time rendering "a star of stars" - M13. Hercules neared the middle third of the sky at the beginning of the session. When finished (around 10:45) it was well placed. The constellations high sky position allowed me to directly hold a 5.3 magnitude star (within the keystone). The drawing (at right) was done at 120X. A better view was possible at 180X, but recently my inexpensive clock drive failed and I'm making due without it. (The clock drive takes up one of the right ascension control pinions and I prefer to have both pinions available for deepsky use.) In processing the image I was tempted to "soften" it up a bit. M13 looks a bit too much like a space rock throwing off sparks. The eyepiece image was softer, though quite rich and contrasty. The core region shimmered with resolution. At least a dozen stars (outside the core) could be held direct. Although I've seen it under better conditions, I was happy to receive such a fine view from backyard Boulder Creek. Show Report
	The next study (Galaxy M101) - like others on tap for the evening - is off the June 1st obs plan. Given the date (and the moon), I could see no reason for not advancing the plan a bit. Speaking of the Moon, I had some serious doubts about turning up this large (27X26'), low average surface brightness (14.6! magnitude) galaxy. Having now seen it, I wonder how Charles Messier ever detected it - Luna ou non. I do have a theory, however... Right off I caught the pair of 12th magnitude stars just west of the galaxy's large, dim, "core" region. Those two stars - in combination with the 12th mag average surface brightness luminosity of the core itself - probably made all the difference. (Considering the positive of Charles' well-practiced eye and the negative of his poor optical set). Not obvious in the drawing at left, is the fact that Argo revealed the 6x4 arc-minute sized core direct, plus a large (16X8) football-shaped sweep of elongated nebulosity (under moderate avertion). Stars in the region of M101 down to magnitude 4.8 were visible at the time. Due to the size of the galaxy, I pretty much stayed with the 50X 35mm ultrascopic eyepiece throughout. M101 is one of those faint denizons of the night that will no doubt reward me with unexpected hints of structural detail as skies and eyes improve. Show Report
This sketch of Globular Cluster M3 was started before skydark. Even with a ULTM of about 4.0 I was able to locate the cluster using the 7x35 finderscope. The first views in the main tube were poor. Only two field stars could be captured. As the sky darkened I concentrated on adding more. By the time I began work on the cluster in earnest, about a dozen were seen. Up to this point only the brightest third of the cluster (core and core region) was visible. I added a few cluster stars then turned to M82 for awhile. I hoped the sky would darken enough to make finishing strokes wotrthwhile. On returning to the cluster - perhaps thirty minutes later - dozen's of resolved stars were possible. Most of these resided in the light grey peripheral region of the cluster. Several were seen even across the core. Keep in mind that M3 has presented better views. Under 5.5 ULTM conditions, significantly more is possible - and without having to work so hard at it. Also keep in mind that not everything you see here is literally accurate. Obviously, it is impossible in the course of a single evening to literally transcribe the location of each star in the cluster - even if I could hold them with direct vision. The drawing is no less an impression than any verbal description. But it speaks better to the visual parts of the brain and mind. If it were great art, it would also speak to the soul... Show Report
	Globular cluster M5 however, was in prime position. The south viewing locale also offered some shadowing from neighboring light pollution. With that issue behind me, plus a properly attenuated flashlight beam, a sketch was in order. The impression at right was done at 180X - an excellent magnification for globular clusters... One daunting task was the sheer number of stars in the field! Clearly this region of Serpens Caput, though not part of the Milky Way, is well populated with stars. Excluding the two dozen outliers associated with the cluster, some 18 field stars are present. With a ULTM of 5.1, only 9 should be visible (down to magnitude 12.5). The actual number caught in the field is twice the expected number. In referencing "Seasonal Star Charts" I verified that M5 is well outside the Milky Way. So I can probably expect that a globular cluster in the Milky Way (such as M9 in southern Ophiuchus) could display as many as a fifty field stars (at 180x). Time to get out the pencil sharpener! Show Report
The sketch of M51 and companion galaxy NGC5195 at left was done early on in the evening. Just before true skydark. The view is through the 120X eyepiece. This may have been an unfortunate choice in magnification for this study. Once done I switched to the 50X 35mm eyepiece. Faint outlying regions of both galaxies were perceptible at the lower magnification. The galaxy-pair was also better framed within a larger star field. No inspection was made at 70X (25mm Ultrascopic), but based on previous experience, 70X may prove to be the optimal magnification for sketches of this type. Once sketched at 70X, details can be added by switching to higher magnifications. Observe, draw and learn. Show Report
	Somewhere in the field of stars accompanying globular cluster M54 (sketch at left) is a starlike point that is no star. It is the largest known asteroid in our solar system - 940km Ceres. But until a later night, I won't really know which one it was. By then the asteroid may very well have moved outside he field of view. Meanwhile the cluster itself really didn't appear as bright as suggested in the image. The sky to the south was quite gray and sullen. Capturing this kind of background is difficult. Meanwhile, I have yet to learn how to accurately shade my studies. Finally, the originals are twice as large as the final product. Resizing the image often introduces textural artifacts not visible in the original. For future reference I would also like to note that this sketch was done at the 120X eyepiece during a 45% Moon. Show Report
Lyra was not as well placed as Hercules. The sky may also have degraded slightly by the time of the sketch (11:00 o'clock). After drawing M57, I could barely hold a 4.7 magnitude star west of Vega. During the sketch I noticed that the ring didn't have quite the expected presence. For one thing, it required mildly-averted sight to plainly reveal the dark core. For another, it took full on aversion to detect the 13.0 magnitude field star just northeast of the planetary - and this during a 180X check (after the drawing was complete). Again, the drawing was based on the 120X 15mm Ultrascopic eyepiece. Not shown is the sense of a "coppery" outermost fringe around the annulus. The fringe was only possible during the best moments of seeing. At such times, the "donut hole" was obvious - along with the slight difference in brightness between the northwestern and southeastern flanks. I've seen the Ring better presented, but it remains the Ring. King of the annular planetaries. Show Report
	By way of comparison, I also drew M80 in Scorpius. Unlike the brighter (magnitude 5.8), larger (17 arc-minute), more loosely knit globular M5, M80, at magnitude 7.2 and 9 arc-minutes, is not particularly susceptible to resolution by Argo. With possibly 11 field stars, the count is more like M51 than M5. One factor effecting M80's resolution is its lower sky position. But I've been simply amazed by how many stars are possible in neighboring globular cluster M4. So at best M80 gives a hint of "roughness" to the eye. The usual "scintillation" possible with many sub-magnitude 8.0 clusters was not present. Show Report
Started out with Ursa Majoris' finest - M81. Roughed in field stars as the sky darkened. Added the bright core, core region and - in the case of this huge galaxy - the para-core region. Followed this a little later with spiral arms - under extreme aversion. Like the previous evening, the sky near M81 showed stars down to magnitude 4.8. So, its possible that, on a seriously dark night (6.0 ULTM), I'd be able to hold M81's spiral arms direct. This would be a rapturous experience. (Had a taste of this at last Saturday's SCAC star party. Large dobs showed the arms effortlessly under conditions not much better than tonight.) By 10:00 the drawing was complete and I was inside processing to get the results seen at left. Re-iterating, the spiral arms were tres difficile but I am pleased to get any sense of the full extent of this glorious galaxy. Show Report
	I chose also to draw M82. Edge on galaxies are at the top of my list. M82 is near the top of the edge-on galaxy list. An earlier drawing (done in April) showed it in the same field as M81. But last night I found that more detail was possible at 120X. So tonight I revisited it with pencil and paper at that magnification. The sky was not quite as dark as that around M3 - perhaps 4.6 ULTM. With extreme averted vision I could almost follow the full length of the eastern extension of the galaxy. The western extension was more difficult. It is probable that star formation is not quite as far along to the west as to the east. Stars form in huge groups driven by powerful tides of radiation. The radiation originates from a few very brilliant "sheep dog" stars. Radiation pressure helps gather interstellar dust and gas into "gravitational corrals". Gravity then kicks in on its own and inchoate matter begins to condense. This creates huge stellar nurseries. The western extension of M81 does not appear to have undergone this process to the same degree as the east. More massive (but short-lived) super giant stars may be needed to advance the cause of star birth in this way. Show Report
Once the impression of NGC6210 was finished I was a bit hesitant to start another. So I baited myself by promising to only do the star field (and not the feature). Of course, by the time I finished the field, enthusiasm waxed and I completed the drawing. So now I have a "complete" impression of the "other" Hercules cluster - M92. That drawing was also done at 180X, and includes 21 "field" stars. So assuming star counts outside the Milky Way remain relatively consistent I was either seeing down to magnitude 13.1 OR many of the stars are actually members of the cluster itself. How many? Well looking at the drawing, I'd say that 8 or 9 of the stars toward the cluster's core were probably outliers. This, of course, leaves the other 12 field stars to be accounted for. So just winging it a little, if I assume that the average number of stars visible at 180X last night was 10, and the algorithm used in "Lem Kalky" is correct, then stars down to magnitude 12.6 - not 12.4 were possible. Close enough for me! Show Report
	In fact, as compensation for neglecting M94, I decided to make a sketch. Initially, M94 appeared like another round, face -on spiral - similar to M100 - only brighter. As sky-dark neared (and eye's dark-adapted), started seeing the galaxy extend along the east-west axis and swell in size (to maybe 6X4 arc-minutes). This, in addition to it's bright starry nucleus (direct at 50X), large 1 arc-minute diameter core, and 4 arc-minute diameter para-core region. Altogether a fine study for a 150mm scope. Later, even caught what appeared to be two rays emanating from the core. One, northeast and the other southeast. Quite impressive. Show Report
It is, of course possible that our Owl did know he was under surveilance. For you see, he was both difficult to locate and a challenge to view. The sky was not completely dark. Lightdome Boulder Creek limited transparency to about 4.8 ULTM. If you are having any difficulty finding the Owl in the neighboring image - imagine how I felt while tracking it down. At that time the sky was perhaps half a magnitude brighter. Until things darkened up (to about mag 4.5), I had no real luck either finding the Owl or neighboring edge-on galaxy M108. As it turned out, I came across the dim galaxy first. As usual, I was struck by it's low contrast and was impressed that Monsour Messier had discovered it. Of course, the same could be said for M97. Large (3 arc-minutes in diameter), dim (13.4 ASB) and well-camouflaged (ULTM 4.8). Best view at 70X. Main gain of boosting magnification (to 120X) was a few fleeting views of 13+ magnitude stars. These may very well be involved in the nebula in some way - and not simply line of sight... Show Report
	Although I caught a decent look at M109, my intention was to turn up a brighter (13.3 ASB) edge on galaxy in Coma Bernices (NGC4565). Last week I viewed 4565 under slightly darker skies and was very surprised by its extension and contrast. Tonight's slightly poorer conditions were not up to displaying the galaxy at it's best, but well enough to make a sketch worthwhile. Like M82, I noticed a certain "handedness" about the galaxy. The southeast arm was easier to trace out away from the nucleus. However, the northwestern arm sported a brightish knot. Some preceptible darkening was also possible between the bright core region and the dim galactic halo above it (to the northeast). These features are present in the drawing (which probably over-accentuates them a tad). One final thought, it's entirely possible that the feature I've called a "knot" is simply a dim line-of-sight star. There are plenty of astro-pics of this galaxy on the web. I look forward to the research. Show Report
Last night, conditions were far less satisfactory (especially in terms of stability). Initially decent overhead (probably 6/10), by departure the Double Double was totally unresolvable (4/10). Early on bright blue-white Spica showed a nice concentric spurious light pile. Later in the evening an almost howling wind arose. (Probably at the request of equally howling coyotes off in the hills at a distance.) Early seeing was good enough that I dropped straight south from Spica and easily caught Globular Cluster Omega Centauri some 5 degrees above the southern horizon. At that time, stars in Omega's field could achieve reasonable focus. While viewing Omega I thought of all those avid amateurs who do not have the luxury of either China Ridges low horizon or Santa Cruz counties 37 degree north latitude. So despite lacking any real ability to render the cluster as it truly appeared, I executed the sketch at left above... Show Report
	By 9:45 PDST I was able to make out stars overhead around magnitude 4.5. Later, with the waning Moon still below the horizon, I could just make out a 5.0 magnitude test star south-southeast of Arcturus. Intial atmospheric stability was only "fair". But at least it was reasonably dark. Sometime earlier in the evening I decided to do a drawing of planetary NGC6210 in Hercules. Due to the small size of the planetary (~15 arc-seconds) I ran the magnification up to 180X on 150mm Argo. The result is visible at left. Stability was good enough to distinguish the mag 8.8 planetary from the roughly 8th magnitude field star located about 7 arc-minutes to the northeast. That star showed somewhat of a seeing induced spurious (not airy) disk but was easily distinguished from the planetary. Due to sky stability the planetary's central star was not quite as distinct as I have seen it in the past. Hercules had just entered the middle third of the sky. ULTM was probably somewhere around 4.8 - not quite transparent enough to definitively reveal the "fuzzy-shell" seen under darksky conditions. Show Report
As mentioned, also took a look at the Double-Double through Argo. At 350X under 7/10 seeing, the split was quite easy. But there was another reason for turning Argo on it. That is seen in the sketch at left. Lately the sky has been "smearing" star light in an unusual way. Tonight the smear was visible even while stars came to focus. One possiblity is the influence of atmospheric water vapor. But such vapor is never in short supply near the Pacific Coast. So the mystery remains. Also note in the image the two dimmer stars (magnitudes 12.0 and 12.5) between the main components of the Doublke Double. These are often difficult to make out (due to the amount of star haze thrown off by the brighter components). Often it is easier to see the 12.8 magnitude star near the Ring Nebula than this pair. Truly the sky behaves in very mysterious ways... Show Report
	So I settle in - pencil in hand, Argo at 70X, and sketch last autumn's challenge - NGC6888 "The Crescent Nebula". Strange how this study keeps getting more obvious with every view. Last year's question was "Is it star haze, imaginosity, or the real thing?" Ths year its "obvious nebulosity" even during the lunar second quarter. Main difference now is experience. Over the last nine months, I've covered a fair amount of celestial real estate and tracked down a representative portion of its many denizens. Ultimately - even an idiot like me eventually "gets it". Show Report
As mentioned, wanted to do at least one "deep sky" sketch this evening. Drawing at right however, is not it. I've mentioned Iota Cassiopeia so many times in reports (especially during last year's winter series) that I felt a drawing was needful. Unfortunately, on reducing the size of the scanned sketch, an error creeped in that needs mention: At 120x, Iota actually resolved cleanly as a triple - colors warm yellow, aqua and turqoise. The primary is obvious in the image - along with the tertiary (trailing to east). But the brighter secondary (leading and slightly south) seems to have dropped oout of the picture. Show Report
	Now, this next sketch was also done at 120x. And it, of course, shows far more than twelve stars! (Please feel free to count them if you like and send me an email...) So the sky must have suddenly gotten a lot clearer! Assuming a hundred stars are present, and using the star count method referred to above, Argo would be showing stars down to magnitude 13.6! (This is possible - but not tonight. - OK left brain, bow out now.) Show Report

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