MaHa

Hello again, After trying my hand at a sketch last week and receiving some great tips, info and a general positive vibe from the far more knowledgeable, including how to invert the colours - I've given it another bash. This time M44, the beehive cluster in Cancer. This again wasn't at the eyepiece, but instead from an image I had from last year. Now the nights are starting to draw in and are becoming far more favourable for this kind of thing however, I think I'll try it properly using my binoculars mounted for my future efforts. Mark.

Thanks stu, I'm going to have a play about with pixlr app and see what I can come up with. I'll try and take a better original photo too, I hadn't actually taken that into account. Cheers, Mark

Davhei, Very very kind, thank you. Thanks for the great info you gave me also on your other thread. Much appreciated. Mark

That's great, many thanks!! I have just downloaded the app, and I'll be sure to have a play around with it as soon as I get some time. No doubt you'll see some of my future attempts around here! Thanks again, Mark.

Hi davhei, Can I ask how you invert the colours please, making the sky black and stars white? I'm a total novice at sketching so my knowledge is very limited! Many thanks, Mark

Thanks Marv Best of luck Cheers, Mark

Hi Marvin, I'm absolutely a complete novice at this, but I've read other places that people use a clipboard and red torch to do a 'rough' sketch whilst outside, then they do a final copy once more comfortable indoors. As far as the white on black 'negative' effect goes, I'm afraid I've no clue whatsoever! Thank you for a recognising my drawing, it's much appreciated!! 😂 Mark

Hello everyone, This is a very first for me - you'll usually find me skulking around somewhere in the binocular sections. However, I found myself at a loose end tonight and figured I'd like to try my hand at my very first sketch. So here it is, M45. I'd also like to point out that this is not my view of the Pleiades, it's simply a picture I have been looking at, just to practice. I hope to be able to work on some more original pieces and improve my sketching skills during the dark nights of the upcoming winter. Mark.

Here is a prime example! I'll be having that thank you very much 😁.

That's great, I've not come across the Patrick Moore book as of yet, so it's one that I'll hopefully be adding to my collection if I can find one. Regarding buying second hand, I do this quite frequently from ebay, seller 'world of books' . I've picked up a good few with an RRP of £25 or so for around £3 or £4 with free delivery. They've always been in fantastic condition - you really can't grumble for those prices. Worth a look guys. Mark

Hello everyone, I've been doing a lot of reading recently whilst the skies have been overcast, and an inordinate amount of water falling. I'm just wondering what books others find useful - not only to learn constellations and the likes, but also for reading up on all things universe? As I'm almost exclusively a binocular observer (I do own a small telescope - a skywatcher Heritage 130p, but it rarely gets used) my main references are binocular specific books, thank you @BinocularSkyHowever I've found myself reading the wonderful DK 'Universe' book, all 485 pages of it, with the whole of the last section comprised of beautiful colour star charts.. Anyway - just interesting to see what other people enjoy reading on their hobby. Mark

Absolutely. 100% agree with this - there is always something else. I'm sure you will get many an enjoyable hour out of your new purchase Mark

Hi Space Kat, I can +1 for the olympus 8x40's, they are optically excellent under the stars for a very good price.. Way, way under your price range. I also +1 for the roofs distorting stars, as my Barr & Stroud 10x42's prove, ( I use them for daytime observation and shooting) and they do not perform nearly as well for astronomy as my porro prism bins. If you hold on a little longer I'm sure @BinocularSkycould maybe offer you some sound advice. Cheers, Mark.

Oh I do already - subscribed to that quite a while ago! 😁. Thanks, Mark.

Nice one Steve @BinocularSky, I'm sure it'll be a great resource. Looking forward to it arriving in the post and the clouds disappearing! Cheers, Mark.