2013 02 17 – Theophilus, Cyrillus, Catharina
Last night was the perfect example of a well-planned observing list being tossed out the proverbial window. Io, its shadow and the Great Red Spot were in perfect position and due to soft views, Jupiter’s bands and the GRS lacked any definition. Subtle tones were apparent, but not defined enough to attempt a rendering.
Second target of the night was the Moon. I chose Theophilus, Cyrillus, and Catharina for my sketch. It was a nice change to work a little further in from the fast moving terminator, buying a little more time to relax and enjoy the views without the worry of chasing shadow details. Seeing was still on and off so that I had to wait for moments of steadiness to study the view. More than once, I had to correct double ridges after discovering the ridgeline was single when seeing improved. My lunar session began with me standing on a small foot stool, then downsizing to standing on an old Webster’s dictionary (hey, that’s about the only use it gets these days!), and then finally being able to sit in comfort on my observing chair. Amazing how fast objects move across the sky.
Eyepiece sketch on black Strathmore Artagain paper, white Conte’ crayon and pencil, Derwent watercolor pencil, black charcoal, black oil pencil.
2013 02 17, 0200-0400 UT
16” f/4.5 reflector, non-driven Dobsonian mount, 8-24mm Zoom at 225x, Moon filter
44F, 40% H, clear/calm, Antoniadi III, T 5/6
Alt: 32deg 55, Az: 2472deg 16´
Phase: 97.3degrees, Lunation: 6.86 d, Illumination: 43.6%
Lib. Lat: +00:09, Lib. Long: +02.17Theophilus
Type: complex crater
Geological period: Eratosthenian (From -3.2 billion years to -1.1 billion years)
Dimension: 104km
Height: 4400 meters
Tormented sloops and steep walls that rise 1200m, central peeks reaching heights of 1400m, flat floor, crater Theophilus B to the inner NW wall.Cyrillus
Type: complex crater
Geological period: Nectariun (From -3.92 billon years to -3.85 billion years)
Dimension: 98km
Damaged tormented, steep slopes, crater Cyrillus A to inner WSW wall, crushed wall to the NE by Theophilus, long groove to the south leading to Catharina.Catharina
Type: complex crater
Geological period: Nectariun (From -3.92 billon years to -3.85 billion years)
Dimension: 100km
Height: 3130 meters
Catharina P rests along the upper third and overlaps the rim of Catharina. B and C crushed its NW egde and S can be seen as a small groove on the floor near the south edge. Tormented walls.
By the time I completed the lunar sketch, my neck was already complaining, regardless of the chemical heat pack in my neck warmer to keep the inflammation at bay. I glanced up at the sky and grudgingly made the decision to call it a wrap. The DSOs on my list would have to wait for another night.
PCW Memorial Observatory - Erika Rix 
Absolutely exquisite work. This is something I’d want to hang on my wall.
Dawn D. said this on February 18, 2013 at 08:29 |
Thank you, Dawn!
Erika Rix said this on February 18, 2013 at 11:04 |