Embedded Files
Sketching
Personal Info:
Steve Boerner
2017 Lake Clay Dr.
Chesterfield, MO
63017
sboerner@charter.net
Rules
The list contains a wide variety of 114 objects. Only 75 sketches are required for the award of a certificate and pin, however, observers are encouraged to sketch as many as possible using different techniques. Some objects in the list may not be visible from the observer’s latitude. Observers may choose any within their means & region to make up the 75 objects. (I've numbered the sketched targets below as x/75)
Sketch log information should include the observer’s name, object observed, the location from which the observation was made (latitude and longitude), size of instrument & magnification, as well as filters used, seeing and transparency estimates, a short written description of the observation, and the media used to create the sketch. The information does not need to be part of the sketch, and can be submitted separately if desired.
All sketches must be performed at the eyepiece, and not from photographs of the object. It is acceptable to clean up sketches in brighter light (smudges, elongated stars, etc.) but further enhancements are discouraged if not observed at the eyepiece.
Cardinal directions must be provided on each sketch. For information on how to determine these, click here.
Observers may sketch the object at whatever magnification is most comfortable, as long as this provides the details needed to represent the object.
OTAs Used:
Apogee 80mm 80mm f/6.1 refractor with a 550 mm focal length.
Celestron 8 8" f/10 SCT with a 2030 mm focal length.
Celestron 14 14" f/11 SCT with a 3900 mm focal length.
11x80 binos vintage 1982 Orion 11x80 binoculars w/ 4.4 degree FOV
SkyWatcher 12" 12" f/5 Newtonian with a 1500mm focal length
StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ 80mm f/11 refractor with a 900mm focal length
Observing Locations: Bortle Latitude Longitude Elevation
Broemmelsiek Park, Defiance, MO orange 38.723 N 90.815 W 644 ft
Danville Wildlife Area, New Florence, MO green 38.868 N 91.514 W 823 ft
Home red 38.631 N 90.552 W 557 ft
Whetstone Creek Conservation Area, Williamsburg, MO green 38.967N 91.730 W 790 ft
White Memorial Wildlife Area, Whiteside, MO green 39.171 N 91.005 W 802 ft
The paper/pencil images below were scanned using an Epson ET-3830 printer scanner. White paper/pencil scanned images with a black sky were inverted with an old version of PhotoShop.
While all sketches are b/w, I am red/green colorblind. That does impact what I actually see in the eyepiece.
AL#: 1 1/75
Other Designations: HR 9094
Common Name:
Object Type: DS
Con. : Cas
RA: 00 03.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 66 10 (Deg min)
Mag: 5.84/7.29
Size:
Notes: 15.2" sep
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 8:20 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 167x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
A double with a brighter yellowish member and a smaller/dimmer white member.
AL#: 2 2/75
NGC #: 7814
Other Designations: C43
Common Name: Little Sombrero
Object Type: SG
Con. : Peg
RA: 00 03.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 16 16 (Deg min)
Mag: 10.6
Size: 5'x2'
Notes: edge on spiral
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 10:43 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 5mm
Mag: 125x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
An interesting edge on galaxy with a big dark lane running the full width.
AL#: 3 3/75
NGC #: 55
Other Designations:
Common Name: C72
Object Type: SG
Con. : Scl
RA: 00 15.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: -39 09 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.9
Size: 31'x6'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 09:46 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 63x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
This edge on galaxy never gets very high in the sky here in MO. When viewed, it was so low that a utility cable running along Schwede could be seen. The cable is the horizontal line above the galaxy.
AL#: 4 4/75
NGC #: 224
Other Designations: M31
Common Name: Andromeda Galaxy
Object Type: SG
Con. : And
RA: 00 43.5 (Hrs min)
DEC: 41 21 (Deg min)
Mag: 3.4
Size: 190'x60'
Notes: low pwr EP, or binoculars
Observation Data:
Date: 10/5/2024
Time: 08:03 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: 11x80 binoculars
Eyepiece:
Mag: 11x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Huge, so binoculars. I tried to see what would happen if I tried to sketch this in reverse...not a good idea. I had trouble sketching the dark lanes.
AL#: 5 5/75
NGC #: 247
Other Designations: C62
Common Name:
Object Type: SG
Con. : Cet
RA: 00 47.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: -20 41 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.1
Size: 19'x5'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 10:00 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 63x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
An edge on spiral with tiny, bright core. There's a pretty bright star at the northern end.
AL#: 6 6/75
NGC #: 253
Other Designations:
Common Name: Silver Dollar, Sculptor
Object Type: SG
Con. : Scl
RA: 00 48.2 (Hrs min)
DEC: -25 13 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.2
Size: 29'x7'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 09:35 PM CST
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 63x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
An edge on spiral galaxy with a spread out core, dim dark lanes, and mottled interior.
AL#: 7 7/75
NGC #: 281
Other Designations:
Common Name: Pacman Nebula
Object Type: BN
Con. : Cas
RA: 00 53.6 (Hrs min)
DEC: 56 40 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.4
Size: 35'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 7:50 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
A bit tough. The white in the sketch is way too bright. The stars are about right.
AL#: 8 8/75
NGC #: 404
Other Designations:
Common Name: Mirach's Ghost
Object Type: EG
Con. : And
RA: 01 10.1 (Hrs min)
DEC: 35 47 (Deg min)
Mag: 10.3
Size: 3.5'
Notes: block out Mirach
Observation Data:
Date: 3/9/2024
Time: 7:41 PM. CST
Location: Whetstone Creek
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 12 mm
Mag: 125x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 2/5
Transparency: 21.17 SQM
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
I put Mirach out of the field to find and sketch the Ghost. I moved Mirach back into the field and sketched the rest.
AL#: 9 9/75
NGC #: 457
Other Designations: C13
Common Name: Owl Cluster, ET Cluster
Object Type: OC
Con. : Cas
RA: 01 20.5 (Hrs min)
DEC: 58 21 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.4
Size: 20'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 10:15 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Not as pretty as the night I saw it with a comet in the field, but still a good view in the eyepiece.
AL#: 10 10/75
NGC #: 752
Other Designations: C28
Common Name:
Object Type: OC
Con. : And
RA: 01 58.5 (Hrs min)
DEC: 37 51 (Deg min)
Mag: 5.7
Size: 75'
Notes: low pwr EP
Observation Data:
Date: 3/9/2024
Time: 7:57 PM. CST
Location: Whetstone Creek
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 32 mm
Mag: 47x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 2/5
Transparency: 21.20 SQM
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
No way all those little dots are in the right place. I seem to be concentrating on double stars.
AL#: 11 11/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations: C14
Common Name: Double Cluster
Object Type: Dbl OC
Con. : Per
RA: 02 19.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 57 11 (Deg min)
Mag: 5.3
Size: 18'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 3/9/2024
Time: 9:24 PM. CST
Location: Whetstone Creek
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 32 mm
Mag: 47x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 2/5
Transparency: 21.45 SQM
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Observations: Very windy.
I thought sketching one open cluster was bad and here there are two. There's no way I have every star in both clusters in the sketch and in the right place.
AL#: 12 12/75
NGC #: 1039
Other Designations: M34
Common Name:
Object Type: OC
Con. : Per
RA: 02 42.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 42 48 (Deg min)
Mag: 5.2
Size: 35'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 3/9/2024
Time: 8:48 PM. CST
Location: Whetstone Creek
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 32 mm
Mag: 47x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 2/5
Transparency: 21.42 SQM
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Observations: Hardware trouble… can't control the mount with SkyWatcher.. Won't connect.
Because of the hardware problem manual gotos tonight. It is windy too. A large open cluster that was easy to sketch with a white pencil and black paper.
AL#: 15 13/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations: M45
Common Name: Pleiades, Subaru
Object Type: OC
Con. : Tau
RA: 03 47.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: 24 09 (Deg min)
Mag: 1.5
Size: 120'
Notes: low pwr EP, or binoculars
Observation Data:
Date: 3/16/2014
Time: 09:35 PM CST
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 90m f/6.3
Eyepiece: 32mm
Mag: 17x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: MS Paint
Observations: Done for the Galileo OP.
I did this one while working on the Galileo OP viewing with a really wide field. I did the "sketch" out in the field using a laptop and MS Paint. It was an adventure getting the stars at different sizes to represent various brightness.
AL#: 16 14/75
NGC #: 1502
Other Designations:
Common Name: NGC 1502 & Kemble's Cascade
Object Type: OC/AST
Con. : Cam
RA: 04 09.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 62 21 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.9
Size: 150'
Notes: low pwr EP, or binoculars
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 7:40 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 167x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
By now doing a sketch with black paper and white pencil was pretty standard. This was a straight forward work.
AL#: 17 15/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: HR 1607
Common Name: Hind's Crimson Star
Object Type: VS
Con.: Lep
RA: 05 00.2 (Hrs min)
DEC: -14 47 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.0
Size:
AL Notes: carbon star
Observation Data:
Date: 12/4/2025
Time: 09:15 PM CST
Location: Home
Optics: StarSense 80mm
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/10
Transparency: 3/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Cold, about 18 degrees out in the front yard. A straight shot down the street over St. Louis, but since it was a star field with no nebulosity, there was no problem seeing a bit of color in the star. Due to my colorblindness, I couldn’t say what color
AL#: 18 16/75
NGC #:
Other Designations: IC 405, C 31
Common Name: Flaming Star Nebula
Object Type: EN
Con. : Aur
RA: 05 17.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 34 17 (Deg min)
Mag: 10
Size: 30x19'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 11/7/2024
Time: 09:51 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
There was a hint of nebulosity between the two brighter stars. I liked the chain of stars to the south.
AL#: 20 17/75
NGC #: 1912
Other Designations: M38
Common Name: Starfish Cluster
Object Type: OC
Con. : Aur
RA: 05 29.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 35 51 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.4
Size: 21'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/6/2024
Time: 12:42 AM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
I'm starting to like sketching simple open clusters with well defined stars. They see much easier to sketch than galaxies and globular clusters.
AL#: 21 18/75
NGC #: 1952
Other Designations: M1
Common Name: Crab Nebula
Object Type: SNR
Con. : Tau
RA: 05 34.5 (Hrs min)
DEC: 22 01 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.4
Size: 6'x4'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/6/2024
Time: 01:08 AM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
I can see a whole lot more detail in M1 than I am able to sketch.
AL#: 26 19/75
NGC #: 2261
Other Designations: C46
Common Name: Hubble Variable Nebula
Object Type: EN/RN
Con. : Mon
RA: 06 39.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 8 45 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.2
Size: 4'x2'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 3/9/2024
Time: 9:03 PM. CST
Location: Whetstone Creek
Optics: Skywatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 8 mm
Mag: 188x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 2/5
Transparency: 21.40 SQM
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Observations: Really hard to find.
This turned out pretty well. It is probably my favorite sketch of the bunch.
AL#: 28 20/75
NGC #: 2287
Other Designations: M41
Common Name: xx
Object Type: OC
Con. : CMa
RA: 06 46.5 (Hrs min)
DEC: -20 46 (Deg min)
Mag: 4.5
Size: 39'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 2/27/2025
Time: 08:16 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
The similar range of brightness here made it fairly easy to do.
AL#: 30 21/75
NGC #: 2362
Other Designations: C64
Common Name: Tau Canis Majoris Cluster
Object Type: OC
Con. : CMa
RA: 07 19.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: -24 59 (Deg min)
Mag: 4.1
Size: 8'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 3/9/2025
Time: 09:20 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 4/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Tau Canis Major is the really bright star in the center of the cluster. I estimate that it has a Trumpler classification of I 2 m. I skipped some of the dimmer stars.
AL#: 31 22/75
NGC #: 2392
Other Designations: C39
Common Name: Eskimo Nebula, Clown Face
Object Type: PN
Con. : Gem
RA: 07 30.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 20 53 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.2
Size: 0.8x0.7'
Notes: OIII/NPB helpful
Observation Data:
Date: 3/9/2025
Time: 09:53 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160X
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 4/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
The surrounding "fur" was easy to see but I was unable to see an,y of the inner detail for the sketch through the scope.
AL#: 32 23/75
NGC #: 2437
Other Designations: M46
Common Name: xx
Object Type: OC/PN
Con. : Pup
RA: 07 42.2 (Hrs min)
DEC: -14 50 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.1
Size: 20'
Notes: sketch with 2438 PN
Observation Data:
Date: 2/27/2025
Time: 08:30 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
The big blob at the northern end of the open cluster is NGC 2438. Many people overlook it.
AL#: 33 24/75
NGC #: 2447
Other Designations: M93
Common Name: xx
Object Type: OC
Con. : Pup
RA: 07 45.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: -23 53 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.2
Size: 10'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 2/27/2025
Time: 08:51 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
A fair representation of the open cluster. Most of the stars are of similar brightness,
AL#: 36 25/75
NGC #: 3031
Other Designations: M81 / M82
Common Name: Bode's Nebula
Object Type: SG
Con. : UMA
RA: 09 57.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 69 37 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.9/8.4
Size: 11x4'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 4/16/2025
Time: 08:14 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
In retrospect, I have no clue why I chose to sketch this with the two galaxies off to the side and not centered. M82 is the galaxy at the bottom, while M81 is at the top.
AL#: 41 26/75
NGC #:
Other Designations: M65, M66, NGC 3628
Common Name: Leo Triplet
Object Type: SG Group
Con. : Leo
RA: 11 19.6 (Hrs min)
DEC: 13 01 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.3
Size:
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 7/2/2024
Time: 11:30 PM EDT
Location: Green Bank
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 5/5
Transparency: 9/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
NGC 3628 is to the north, M65 is towards the top. M66 is towards the east.
AL#: 43 27/75
NGC #: 4374
Other Designations: M84, M86
Common Name: Markarian's Chain
Object Type: EG
Con. : Vir
RA: 12 25.7 (Hrs min)
DEC: 12 49 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.1
Size:
Notes: M84 brightest in cluster
Observation Data:
Date: 7/2/2024
Time: 11:40 PM EDT
Location: Green Bank
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 5/5
Transparency: 9/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
M84 is to the west. Stretched out NGC 4375 is to the south. M86 is to the east.
AL#: 46 28/75
NGC #: 4565
Other Designations: C38
Common Name: Needle Galaxy
Object Type: SG
Con. : Com
RA: 12 37.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 25 55 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.6
Size: 15'x2'
Notes: edge on gx
Observation Data:
Date: 7/23/2025
Time: 09:30 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Thin and wispy towards the ends. Did I stretch it out enough in the sketch? A bit fat on the right edge too.
AL#: 48 29/75
NGC #: 4594
Other Designations: M104
Common Name: Sombrero
Object Type: SG
Con. : Vir
RA: 12 40.6 (Hrs min)
DEC: -11 42 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.0
Size: 8'x4'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 7/2/2024
Time: 11:50 PM EDT
Location: Green Bank
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 5/5
Transparency: 9/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Not one of my better efforts. I could probably do a better job during the daytime, just sitting at a table, but requirements are requirements. I could see it, but sketching was another issue.
AL#: 49 30/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations: C32
Common Name: Whale Galaxy, Herring Galaxy
Object Type: SG
Con. : CVn
RA: 12 42.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: 32 28 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.2
Size: 15'x3'
Notes: companion is 12th mag
Observation Data:
Date: 5/16/2025
Time: 12:45 AM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
The head should be a bit more symmetrical ,instead of so fat at the top and skinny at the bottom. A bit of fattening of the end of the tail too. I did get the neighbor galaxy.
AL#: 52 31/75
NGC #: 5024
Other Designations: M53
Common Name:
Object Type: GC
Con. : Com
RA: 13 13.5 (Hrs min)
DEC: 18 10 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.6
Size: 13'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 7/2/2024
Time: 11:20 PM EDT
Location: Green Bank
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 5/5
Transparency: 9/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
This is a pretty fair representation of what I saw. The sketch displayed here could be confused with a galaxy, but zooming in does show individual dots.
AL#: 54 32/75
NGC #: 5194
Other Designations: M51
Common Name: Whirlpool Galaxy
Object Type: SG
Con. : CVn
RA: 13 30.4 (Hrs min)
DEC: 47 08 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.4
Size: 11'x7'
Notes: and companion 5195
Observation Data:
Date: 6/12/2024
Time: 10:19 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
A good representation of what I saw at the eyepiece. The nuclei were slightly brighter than the discs.
AL#: 55 33/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations:
Common Name: 17 and 21 Boo
Object Type: DS
Con. : Boo
RA: 14 13.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 51 43 (Deg min)
Mag: 4.5/6.6/4.5/8.2
Size: 14'
Notes: yellow/white dbl stars
Observation Data:
Date: 7/2/2024
Time: 11:00 PM CDT
Location: Green Bank
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 5/5
Transparency: 9/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
The larger star in the center is 17 Boo. 21 Boo is at the bottom of the field.
AL#: 58 34/75
NGC #: 5904
Other Designations: M5
Common Name:
Object Type: GC
Con. : Ser
RA: 15 19.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: 2 05 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.5
Size: 23'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 6/12/2024
Time: 09:37 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
This was kind of fun to draw. I'll admit I went a bit crazy tapping my pencil for all the stars in the globular cluster and then following it up with a rub with my finger. The bright star is 5 Ser
AL#: 59 35/75
NGC #: 6093
Other Designations: M80
Common Name:
Object Type: GC
Con. : Sco
RA: 16 17.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: -23 00 (Deg min)
Mag: 7
Size: 1.2'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 4/17/2025
Time: 01:50 AM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160X
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
I got a bit off center with my pencil taps, and the core should be darker.
AL#: 60 36/75
NGC #: 6121
Other Designations: M4
Common Name:
Object Type: GC
Con. : Sco
RA: 16 23.6 (Hrs min)
DEC: -26 32 (Deg min)
Mag: 5.9
Size: 26'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 4/17/2025
Time: 02:00 AM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
My main criticism here is that the globular cluster is not round/spherical enough. Here it looks
AL#: 61 37/75
NGC #: 6205
Other Designations: M13
Common Name:
Object Type: GC
Con. : Her
RA: 16 41.7 (Hrs min)
DEC: 36 28 (Deg min)
Mag: 5.8
Size: 20'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 09:30 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
The field looks pretty good, but there are way too many twirling spirals in the cloud with not enough stars in the center and too many in the outer reaches. While some of my sketches look OK, this looks fake.
AL#: 64 38/75
NGC #: 6402
Other Designations: M 14
Common Name:
Object Type: GC
Con. : Oph
RA: 17 38.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: -3 15 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.3
Size: 11'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 08:40 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 5mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Finally a globular cluster that I like.
AL#: 65 39/75
NGC #: 6405
Other Designations: M6
Common Name: Butterfly Cluster
Object Type: OC
Con. : Sco
RA: 17 40.1 (Hrs min)
DEC: -32 13 (Deg min)
Mag: 4.2
Size: 25'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 7/2/2024
Time: 11:13 PM EDT
Location: Green Bank
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 21.65
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Looks like I forgot to spin the pencil on quite a few of the stars here.
AL#: 67 40/75
NGC #: 6523
Other Designations: M8
Common Name: Lagoon Nebula
Object Type: EN
Con. : Sag
RA: 18 03.1 (Hrs min)
DEC: -24 23 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.0
Size: 90'x40'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 6/12/2024
Time: 11:45 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
M8 should be centered and the "lobes" should be fatter. Drawing in the dark is hard.
AL#: 68 41/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations: M20 / M21
Common Name: Trifid Nebula
Object Type: OC/EN
Con. : Sag
RA: 18 03.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: -23 02 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.3
Size: 72'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 08:30 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 63x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
It took me a while to figure out why M20 wasn't centered in the sketch...I needed M21 too. I like the open cluster and I think I did a reasonable job with M20. The dark lanes could be better, but maybe playing around with an inverted scan would help.
AL#: 69 42/75
NGC #: 6520 & B86
Other Designations:
Common Name:
Object Type: OC/DN
Con. : Sag
RA: 18 03.4 (Hrs min)
DEC: -27 53 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.0
Size: 30'x30'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 7/23/2025
Time: 09:47 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
I have trouble wrapping my mind around drawing a dark nebula in inverse. It is the large area to toe left between the diamond stars. Drawing it all dark and I'll loose the stars so I just made note of where it was.
AL#: 70 43/75
NGC #: 6611
Other Designations: M16
Common Name: Eagle Nebula
Object Type: EN/OC
Con. : Ser
RA: 18 18.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: -13 47 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.5
Size: 7'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 08:20 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 5mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
This is somewhat of a disappointment. I've got the ligh and dark areas messed up and reversed in some areas. The background is white so the detail should be light, but I have it black.
AL#: 71 44/75
NGC #: 6618
Other Designations: M17
Common Name: Omega, Swan Nebula
Object Type: BN/OC
Con. : Sag
RA: 18 20.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: -16 11 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.0
Size: 11'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 07:50 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 63x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
This is better than M16, but not by much. The stars are fine and the swan at least looks like a bird standing on its head. Emission nebula and I apparently have issues.
AL#: 72 45/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations: Epsilon 1 & 2 Lyrae
Common Name: Double Double
Object Type: DS
Con. : Lyr
RA: 18 44.7 (Hrs min)
DEC: 39 41 (Deg min)
Mag: 5.0
Size: 3'
Notes: 2.4" & 2.3" seps
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 08:40 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 188x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
This is a fair representation of double stars. They might be a bit too wide, but my pencil wasn't 100 sharp.
AL#: 73 46/75
NGC #: 6705
Other Designations: M11
Common Name: Wild Duck Cluster
Object Type: OC
Con. : Sct
RA: 18 51.1 (Hrs min)
DEC: -6 16 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.0
Size: 14'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 08:10 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 5mm
Mag: 100x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Other than lots of star that streak, not too bad. Spinning a pencil with arthritic hands is a pain.
AL#: 74 47/75
NGC #: 6720
Other Designations: M57
Common Name: Ring Nebula
Object Type: PN
Con. : Lyr
RA: 18 54.1 (Hrs min)
DEC: 33 03 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.8
Size: 1.4'x1'
Notes: OIII/NPB helpful,high pwr
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 11:00 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 125x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
A touch too round and needs to be squished off to the top left a bit. The stars all seem artificial. Sketching is discouraging.
AL#: 76 48/75
NGC #: 6729
Other Designations: C68
Common Name: NGC 6729, 6726, HR 7169
Object Type: RN/DS
Con. : CrA
RA: 19 02.8 (Hrs min)
DEC: -36 56 (Deg min)
Mag:
Size:
Notes: RN & double stars
Observation Data:
Date: 7/23/2025
Time: 11:54 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 125x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
HR 7160 iw the star at 7 o'clock. NGC 6726 is the smudge towards 10 o'clock. NGC 6729 is in the center.
AL#: 77 49/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations: Albireo
Common Name:
Object Type: DS
Con. : Cyg
RA: 19 03.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: 27 59 (Deg min)
Mag:
Size:
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 10:42 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 188x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
The larger star, A, is yellow. The smaller is blue.
AL#: 78 50/75
NGC #: 6791
Other Designations:
Common Name:
Object Type: OC
Con. : Lyr
RA: 19 21.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: 37 48 (Deg min)
Mag: 9.5
Size: 10'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 8:50PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
I kind of liked sketching open clusters, but this one was difficult. It didn't seem particularly bright and I had trouble locating the stars first in the eyepiece and then transferring them to paper.
AL#: 79 51/75
NGC #: 0
Other Designations: Collinder 399
Common Name: Coathanger, Brocchi's
Object Type: Ast
Con. : Vul
RA: 19 25.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 20 13 (Deg min)
Mag: 3.6
Size: 60'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 09:00 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 32mm
Mag: 45x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
The hanger part is a backward question mark and it is easy to see the five stars in a straight row at the bottom.
AL#: 81 52/75
NGC #: 6819
Other Designations:
Common Name: Fox Head Cluster
Object Type: OC
Con. : Cyg
RA: 19 41.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: 40 11 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.0
Size: 5'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 8:30 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Until I sketch it, I didn't know why they called it Fox Head. The two bright stars are the eyes and the open cluster trails down into the snout.
AL#: 82 53/75
NGC #: 6853
Other Designations: M27
Common Name: Dumbbell, Apple Core
Object Type: PN
Con. : Vul
RA: 20 00.1 (Hrs min)
DEC: 22 45 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.0
Size: 8'x6'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 10:00 PM CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Overall, the shape is roundish with the center pinched in. It is wispier in the pinched areas to the north and south. There were a few internal stars, but their pencil marks are overshadowed by the white pencil that represents nebulosity.
AL#: 83 54/75
NGC #: 6888
Other Designations: C27
Common Name: Crescent Nebula
Object Type: EN
Con. : Cyg
RA: 20 13.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 38 28 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.4
Size: 20'x10'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 11/7/2024
Time: 07:45 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
For the most part all I could see through the eyepiece was a faint oblong patch of nebul,osity that was slightly darker on one end and patchier along the side.
AL#: 84 55/75
NGC #: 6910
Other Designations:
Common Name: Rocking Horse Cluster
Object Type: OC
Con. : Cyg
RA: 20 23.7 (Hrs min)
DEC: 40 49 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.4
Size: 10'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/17/2025
Time: 08:50 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160X
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
I see where this is also called the Inchworm Cluster. I can see the curve of an inchworm from the lower left towards the center and upper right better than that of the shape of a rocking horse.
AL#: 85 56/75
NGC #: 6946
Other Designations: C12
Common Name: Fireworks Galaxy
Object Type: SG
Con. : Cyg
RA: 20 35.1 (Hrs min)
DEC: 60 12 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.8
Size: 11'x10'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/17/2025
Time: 08:30 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
More blurry, streaked stars for this spiral galaxy. I couldn't see any detail, just an indistinct lighter area.
AL#: 88 57/75
NGC #: 7008
Other Designations:
Common Name: Fetus Nebula
Object Type: PN
Con.: Cyg
RA: 21 00.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 54 32 (Deg min)
Mag: 11
Size: 1.4'x1.1'
AL Notes: OIII/NPB helpful, high pwr
Observation Data:
Date: 11/14/2025
Time: 09:08 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160X
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
All I can see is a faint, fat comma or hook near a star.
AL#: 89 58/75
NGC #: 7009
Other Designations: C55
Common Name: Saturn Nebula
Object Type: PN
Con. : Aqu
RA: 21 04.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: -11 19 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.8
Size: 0.5'x0.4'
Notes: OIII/NPB helpful, high pwr
Observation Data:
Date: 7/24/2025
Time: 01:40 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
I know from taking images of the Saturn Nebula that "ears" can be seen as well as a bit of interior detail. Visually, all I saw was a dim oblong blob.
AL#: 90 59/75
NGC #: 7026
Other Designations: ARO 59
Common Name:
Object Type: PN
Con.: Cyg
RA: 21 06.7 (Hrs min)
DEC: 47 55 (Deg min)
Mag: 10.9
Size: 0.5'x0.2'
AL Notes: OIII/NPB helpful, high pwr
Observation Data:
Date: 11/14/2025
Time: 09:18 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160X
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Even at 160x all I could see was a stretched out fuzzy patch.
AL#: 91 60/75
NGC #: 7078
Other Designations: M15
Common Name:
Object Type: GC
Con. : Peg
RA: 21 30.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 12 10 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.2
Size: 18'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 8:40 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
I tried to place many dots for stars in the center and then rubbed my finger over the area to show even more that merged. It kind of works.
AL#: 92 61/75
NGC #:
Other Designations: HR 8316, Mu Cephei
Common Name: Herschel's Garnet Star
Object Type: VS
Con. : Cep
RA: 21 43.9 (Hrs min)
DEC: 58 51 (Deg min)
Mag: 4.0
Size:
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 8:10 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
A very red star in the middle of a field of stars.
AL#: 93 62/75
NGC #: 7243
Other Designations: C16
Common Name:
Object Type: OC
Con. : Lac
RA: 22 15.6 (Hrs min)
DEC: 49 57(Deg min)
Mag: 6.4
Size: 29'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/17/2025
Time: 08:40 pm CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12mm
Mag: 160X
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
Other than the bump on the side where I proved that I couldn't draw a circle, I like this effort.
AL#: 94 63/75
NGC #: 7293
Other Designations: C63
Common Name: Helix Nebula, Eye of God
Object Type: PN
Con. : Aqu
RA: 22 30.4 (Hrs min)
DEC: -20 46 (Deg min)
Mag: 7.6
Size: 25'
Notes: OIII/NPB helpful, low pwr
Observation Data:
Date: 10/22/2025
Time: 09:00 PM CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: Apogee 80mm
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 63x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 8/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
In retrospect this is too circular. It should be squished a bit and, have some fatter areas on the sides.
AL#: 95 64/75
NGC #: 7635
Other Designations: C11
Common Name: Bubble Nebula
Object Type: BN
Con. : Cas
RA: 23 21.3 (Hrs min)
DEC: 61 16 (Deg min)
Mag: 11
Size: 15'x8'
Notes: Star hop from M52
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 9:10 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil:
When I think of the Bubble Nebula I think of the circular round part, the surrounding gas and three bright stars. I wasn't able to see the entire circle or much of the gas. The stars came through.
AL#: 96 65/75
NGC #: 7654
Other Designations: M52
Common Name:
Object Type: OC
Con. : Cas
RA: 23 25.4 (Hrs min)
DEC: 61 39 (Deg min)
Mag: 7
Size: 15'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/15/2025
Time: 8:00 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Black paper/white pencil
Another I can't twirl the pencil causing massive streaks instead of round stars. It is called the Scorpion Cluster but unlike the Fox Head, I can't see why.
AL#: 97 66/75
NGC #: 7662
Other Designations: C22
Common Name: Blue Snowball
Object Type: PN
Con. : And
RA: 23 26.5 (Hrs min)
DEC: 42 37 (Deg min)
Mag: 8.3
Size: 0.5'
Notes: OIII/NPB helpful, high pwr
Observation Data:
Date: 11/7/2024
Time: 09:17 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 12nn
Mag: 125x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
What's to say. The Blue Snowball...a blue planetary nebula with no internal detail.
AL#: 98 67/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: NGC 7789 in bowl
Common Name:
Object Type: Ast
Con.: Cas
RA: 23 55.0 (Hrs min)
DEC: 56 30 (Deg min)
Mag: 8
Size: 120'
AL Notes: wide field EP, binoculars
Observation Data:
Date: 11/14/2025
Time: 08:20 PM CST
Location: Danville
Optics: 11x80 binoculars
Eyepiece: BINOS
Mag: 11X
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
The bowl of stars is an asterism made up of Caroline;s Rise open cluster (below) and several stars in a bowl shape on one side of the cluster. Since I sketched Caroline's Rose , I did a rough sketch of the cluster here rather than spending much time on it. This is a pretty big field and I had to resort to binoculars.
AL#: 99 68/75
NGC #: 7789
Other Designations:
Common Name: Caroline's Rose
Object Type: OC
Con. : Cas
RA: 23 57.4 (Hrs min)
DEC: 56 42 (Deg min)
Mag: 6.0
Size: 25'
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 10/17/2025
Time: 08:15 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Optics: C8 0n iOptron MiniTower
Eyepiece: 25mm
Mag: 80x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/5
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned
I liked what I have. I got home the next day and wondered how many stars were in NGC 7789. Google said at least 1000. I guess I missed a whole lot of them.
AL#: 105 69/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: Clavius
Common Name: 10 days lunation
Object Type: Lunar
Con. :
RA:
DEC: 0
Mag:
Size:
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 8/23/2015
Time: 10:15 pm CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: C14
Eyepiece: 8mm
Mag: 488x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 4/10
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil
Observations: Done for Lunar II...what a mess.
Clavius is my favorite crater ever since I saw the "Eyes" where the two largest craters are in sunlight and the floor of the crater is in shadow. This sketch was done for the Lunar II OP and took about fifteen minutes.
AL#: 108 70/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: Jupiter
Common Name:
Object Type: Planet
Con. :
RA:
DEC: 0
Mag:
Size:
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 07:50 pm CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil
I also have a sketch from 2015 that I did for the Solar System OP. This one does a better job with the bands. The moons are labeled. I could have gone with more magnification, but then I would have missed the moons.
AL#: 109 71/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: Saturn
Common Name:
Object Type: Planet
Con. :
RA:
DEC: 0
Mag:
Size:
Notes:
Observation Data:
Date: 9/28/2021
Time: 07:40 pm CDT
Location: Danville
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 20mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil
Done right after the Jupiter sketch above. The moons are labeled here too. I've sketched Saturn two other times and neither is any better. I finally resorted to a quick MSPaint for the Titan Challenge in 2025. It was even worse.
AL#: 111 72/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: Sunspots
Common Name:
Object Type: Other
Con. :
RA:
DEC: 0
Mag:
Size:
Notes: use Proper Solar Filters
Observation Data:
Date: 9/4/2017
Time: 12:05 pm CDT
Location: Home
Optics: Apogee 90mm f/6.3
Eyepiece: 32mm
Mag: 17x
Filter(s) : Seymour solar
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 6/10
Media used: Paper/pencil
Observations: Great American Eclipse
Great American Eclipse-- 90 seconds of totality in the front yard with eight neighbors and family. I drew a quick sketch for another observing program (Solar System) and included it here.
AL#: 112 73/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: Comet
Common Name: Comet C/2011 L4 PANSTARRS
Object Type: Other
Con. :
RA:
DEC: 0
Mag:
Size:
Notes: including starfield
Observation Data:
Date: 3/11/2013
Time: 07:15 pm CST
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: 30x70 binos
Eyepiece: ---
Mag: 30x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil
Observations: About 4 degrees away from a 20 hr old moon so easy to find. Windy!
About 4 degrees away from a 20 hr old moon so easy to find. Windy! The sketch was used for the Solar System Observing Program.
AL#: 113 74/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: Eclipse
Common Name:
Object Type: Other
Con. :
RA:
DEC: 0
Mag:
Size:
Notes: lunar or solar
Observation Data:
Date: 10/23/2014
Time: 05:00 pm CDT
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: 11x80 binos
Eyepiece: ---
Mag: 11x
Filter(s) : Seymour solar
Seeing: 3/10
Transparency: 5/10
Media used: Touch screen & Graphiter
Cloudy with breaks to see the eclipse. Full clouds by 5:45 p.m. Tried to use a laptop with a touch screen…somewhat dismal results. The sketch was used for the Solar System Observing Program
AL#: 114 75/75
NGC #: ---
Other Designations: Conjunction
Common Name:
Object Type: Other
Con. :
RA:
DEC: 0
Mag:
Size:
Notes: naked eye or binocular
Observation Data:
Date: 12/21/2020
Time: 05:45 p.m. CST
Location: Brommelsiek
Optics: SkyWatcher 12"
Eyepiece: 20 mm
Mag: 75x
Filter(s) : none
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 7/10
Media used: Paper/pencil/scanned/inverted
This sketch was done in the middle of an outreach session for a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. About 800 people showed up at the park to see the event even with COVID. About 200 looked through my scope. I shut the line down for 5 minutes to do the sketch. The sketch was used for an Astronomical League Observing Challenge.
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