Jupiter Sketch

OK, lets clarify one thing - I'm definetly no artist. However, I've read alot recently on how sketching at the scope can help one's observing skills. So, with that in mind, I gave it a try for the first time last Friday night. Below is my result. Unfortunately, my sketching results don't reflect the extent of the detail the eye can see. Hopefully, in time, and with a little practice, this will improve.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else here sketches at the scope.

Michael

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else here sketches at the scope.

Michael

I like the picture Michael, an 'artists' impression will last longer than your memory of the event explained to someone else.
I do draw observations myself now and agin. I think it can be great for looking back on past observations. I have a ring binder in my bedroom at home (parents home) with all sorts of telescopic and naked eye sketches of when I was a teenage astronomer - Hyakoutake, the moon, Jupiter, Plaeides, Orion Nebula.
It would be great if there are any brave souls who wouldn't mind submitting their work here, and also to web sites of their respective astronomy clubs.
Perhaps Mr. 'Skynotes' Flannery would like some of the same from members as material for Arcturus?

Seanie.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else here sketches at the scope.

Michael

Michael,

Having a Dobsonian the only way to record what I see is to sketch it.
I have always kept a log book of observation, into which I occasionally do some sketches. Recently I made up a template sheet for sketching Jupiter and recording the conditions. Having a sheet with blanks to be filled, I find, helps in so much as I am less likley to omit some relevant info. Having the shape and size constant also helps.
Below is a sketch I did on the 28th of March on a good night.



Michael Scully KAC/SAC

Thats a very good sketch Michael, you've been at it for a while I bet!
I was going to add a sketch or two of mine, but not now!

Seanie.

I did quite a few Jupiter sketches over the winter of '03/'04. Mainly they were just to mark out the locations of the Gallilean moons. I found it very rewarding to build up a series of sketches marking the positions of the moons and to watch them spin around their planet over the span of a couple of months. They weren't pretty sketches, but I still got a thrill from doing them!

Michael,
That is indeed an excellent sketch! Superb detail!

Seanie,
Don't let me on my own here! C'mon, post a few! I'd be interested to see them.

Michael