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Annotating the features on a sketch is a great way to learn and remember what you've seen. Here are two of our early sketches, using the same technique - label what you see, and then go back to the sources and learn more. We both used graphites on these early sketches.


Moon (with features noted) sketched by Deirdre Kelleghan. Day 5 Waxing Moon December 6th 2005 Pencil on Windsor and Newton Pad EXT 70mm/12mm eyepiece.Focal length 350mm, focal ratio f/5, magnification 29X. Just a little less than 2 days before first quarter. This is one of my early drawings of the moon with this little telescope, my sketches were inspired by Jane’s energy and detailed knowledge of the moon. This telescope had a lunar drive which was good. I could observe and sketch without moving the telescope, as it took care of itself. More planetary sketches are here.

Mars (with features noted). Mars central meridian is 85 degrees longitude and the sketch was made at 09:02 UTC May 29, 2001. Details on the telescope are on the sketch: Telescope AP Traveler 105mm f/6 Astro Physics Traveler refractor using a 2.3mm Lanthanum eyepiece for a magnification of 265x. Seeing was exceptionally good. Note - I try to sketch Mars at high power only when the seeing is very good.

Subtle clouds over the three Tharsis Plateau volcano calderas and over Olympus Mons were visible. More Mars sketches (over 60 sketches) from 2001, 2003 and 2005 are here.

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