Telescope Reviews: M34 2012 11 05

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Astrophotography and Sketching >> Sketching

Pages: 1

Chopin
Canis Insanus

Reged: 02/03/05

Loc: In the doghouse.

M34 2012 11 05
#5506540 - 11/06/12 09:34 AM

I knew I wouldn't be able to get out early this morning to catch the Io transit, so I took the scope out before bedtime last night. Jupiter was complete mush, given poor seeing and low placement over the horizon. So I slewed the 110mm Newt over to M34. Having followed some interesting threads here in the past week regarding star sketching technique, I thought it would be a good exercise for me to attempt my first "at the eyepiece" sketch of an open cluster. Let's say I've been inspired. And after giving it a go with M34 I can say it's an exercise in patience. After comparing my drawing to photos of the cluster, my star placements are clearly skewed toward the edges. Additionally, I missed a key star point near the center of the cluster!

It was still a highly rewarding experience, again demonstrating to me how sketching can create an intimacy with an object that does not occur with passive observing.

Original sketch:
pencil

Finished sketch:
Photoshop

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Jef De Wit
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/06/09

Loc: Hove, Belgium

Re: M34 2012 11 05 new

[Re: Chopin]
#5506649 - 11/06/12 10:44 AM

Fine sketch! Just a detail: I would make the bright stars a little bit smaller...

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Chopin
Canis Insanus

Reged: 02/03/05

Loc: In the doghouse.

Re: M34 2012 11 05 new

[Re: Jef De Wit]
#5507444 - 11/06/12 07:31 PM

Yes, they do appear a bit bloated.

I've been playing around with techniques to differentiate the respective star brightness and thought that varying the circle diameters might be easier to see visually. Perhaps I got bit carried away.

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Michael Rapp
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/27/04

Loc: Dickinson, TX

Re: M34 2012 11 05 new

[Re: Chopin]
#5507634 - 11/06/12 10:20 PM

This gives me some ideas....

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Asbytec
Guy in a furry hat

Reged: 08/08/07

Loc: La Union, PI

Re: M34 2012 11 05 new

[Re: Jef De Wit]
#5507681 - 11/06/12 10:57 PM Attachment (12 downloads)

Quote:

I would make the bright stars a little bit smaller...

Yea, looks like a view through a small refractor.

Okay, okay...

Seriously, though, I find the technique appealing. You can even begin flirting with color. I make a pencil sketch at the eyepiece that no one will ever be allowed to see...just too hideous. All out of proportion, just ugly, but it's just a place to take notes. A template on the computer is used to help get the proportions correct and a paint program is used to lay out the details. It's an effective technique, and allows one to sip coffee reproducing the night's observation.

Michael, maybe you can translate your sketches into a PC program, too? With the right programs, you can do a lot.

Edited by Asbytec (11/06/12 10:59 PM)

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Chopin
Canis Insanus

Reged: 02/03/05

Loc: In the doghouse.

Re: M34 2012 11 05 new