These are a pair of Lunar Sketches I made in March of Craters Miller, Miller A, Nasireddin and the bottom image of Crater Copericus. I have found over the last several years that observing the Moon does several things.
Observing our Moon increases the number of nights that I get out and observe and sketch.
I don't have to worry about dark adapataion when observing the Moon. I try to have it semi-dark but I also use a white head lamp on it's dimest setting. Here are some guidelines for light when observing and or sketching or imaging the Moon.
Light Color: I find that a dim white and neutral light works best. It allows me to see the true grayscale tones of the grayscale tones of the lunar surface, allow me to match my pastels and pastel pencils to get the right tones in my sketch.
Intensity: I use a dimmabel and adjustable light which allows me to shield the light to prevent glare and/or to wash out the sketching paper.
Technique: This is VERY important. I angle my light onto my sketching paper from the side which stimulates how sunlight strikes the lunar surface. This helps to create a natural shadow on my sketch.
The next thing observing the moon does is to remind how wonderful our nearest neighbor is to observe. The contrasts on the Moon are wonderful to observe and I have yet to meet anyone, who after looking at our Moon through an eyepiece is not amazed at what they can see.
Last, I don't have to worry about light pollution. I can always image and observing and sketch the Moon!
So having said that I have made a collection called Lunar Observing over at Eadsy Astronomy. Here I will keep it open for all members, paid or free. We will be working through both the Astronomcial League's Lunar Observing Program and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Isabel Williamson Lunar Observing Program.
The goal once we are done with this journey is to ensure that both you and I are far more familar with the Moon then we were previously and that we find the simple joy in observing the Moon and add it to our repitorie of objects we observe. I'm still a Deep Sky Object guy first and foremost, but the Moon is becoming second to that.
Finally, I will hold live sketching clinics via either Google Meet or Zoom where we can share in practicing lunar sketching and learn from each other.
Last, I will also be using my SeeStar S50 to try and capture some of these images and I will also use a refractor and my iphone holder on my eyepieces to also image. So if you are an imager, please feel free to join us!
Review of the Apple App Moon Atlas:
Moon Globe HD Apple App Review
For the full program and to participate, come become a member (you can be a free member to do this) and read the full post over at Eadsy Astronomy!
If you are interested and have questions, please feel free to email me at eadsyastronomy@gmail.com.
