2009 07 08, 15.3-15.42 day Moon
2009 July 8, 0240UT – 0535UT
Lunar, Erika Rix
PCW Memorial Observatory, Zanesville, Ohio USA
Orion ED80 w/WO dielectric diagonal, LXD75, 21-7mm Zhumell, 13% T moon filter
Lunar phase 352.2°-350.9°, 15.3-15.42 days
Temp: 17.6°C-11.7°C, H: 59%-86%
Alt: 11°02’ to 27°10’ Az: 132°18’ to 170°38’
Libr. Lat: 01°32’ to 01°24’, Libr. Long: 00°00’ to -00°37’
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 3/6
Light cirrus, calm
Sketch created scopeside with black Strathmore Artagain paper, white Conte’ crayon and pencil, white Prang watercolor pencil, black oil pencil, black charcoal pencil.
This was my latest attempt at a full disk sketch for a lunar phase. At 99.5% illumination, a filter was needed for not only bringing out details on the lunar surface, but for ease of viewing on the eyes.
Shortly after drawing an outline of the Moon, I always feel a bit overwhelmed. It doesn’t take long to remember just how difficult it can be to get the shapes, sizes, and placements correct for all the predominant features. Even the “borders” of maria become elusive when you try to set boundaries for it on paper. Yet there always seems to be that magic point in a sketch where everything starts to come together…usually just after the sense of despair when it takes sheer willpower not to toss the sketch in the trash and start over again.
PCW Memorial Observatory - Erika Rix 