Series of past Venus observations.

[mikeDnight]

With Venus being well placed for observation, I thought I'd post a series of past observations, indicating the phase changes we can look forward to seeing.

All observations were made in 2009 using a SW 120ED FPL53 (fluorite glass) apo.

Mike

 

[jabeoo1]

Another great series Mike, as always  

[John]

Very, very nice Mike

I'm looking forward to following Venus as it's crescent slims and it's apparent diameter increases.

 

[Saganite]

That is a very fine record Mike . My  sketching is utterly hopeless so my notes are written only. 

Excellent ! 

[colin2007]

Love your sketches Mike. They are very inspiring too.

Had a terrible 2016 due to ill health and still recovering now. Sold my scope because I didn`t think I could do this hobby anymore but here I am today preparing to get back into visual observing of the planets. Damn the long-term illness I got, I have got to push myself more without over doing it and relax  and sketch the celestial bodies, even if I can only do it for an hour!

I am going to re-purchase a 200p dobsonian scope in the next few weeks (because its the easiest for me to use) and begin drawing at the scope again. So really looking forward to that

Not too sure whether to print off a blank with black background onto a A4 sheet of paper for my finished drawings  or do something similar to to what you do and just use a pencil. What to you think?

 

[mikeDnight]

Hi Colin,

I'm sorry to hear you've bade a rough time due to illness. I suppose things like that cause us to reassess our priorities and change our equipment to better meet our circumstances.

I'm happy to hear you're getting a new scope and considering doing some sketching. To print out blanks or to use a template is really just a personal choice. I tend not to use pre printed sheets as I prefer to use a high quality sketch pad. They tend to have quality paper and all the sketches are securely bound together in a hard back volume. I used to use single sheets and file my sketches in plastic wallets, but they soon mount up and occupy too much space.

I look forward to seeing some of your sketches! 

Mike 

[colin2007]

Morning Mike

Thanks for the reply Mike. Much appreciated.

Yes I will post my sketches on here too. 

My set up at the moment is a case of good quality series of HB pencils, rubbers, putty rubber, template with a series of lines and circles punched in it and a series of blending sticks . Also I got a folder with plastic wallets and I will be using a A4 sketching pad for my finished drawings. Also got a plain notebook for outside use plus a red torch.

Again making life easier may forget the idea of pre-printed templates and do something along your lines. Its all about making everything easy for me!

Likewise keeping posting yours sketches. They are interesting and great to look at

Colin

 

[Pete Presland]

Sketching records don't get much better than those, simply superb! Thanks for sharing.

[Galen Gilmore]

Really nice sketches!

Also I really love your handwriting.

[N3ptune]

22/02/09 is my favourite!

[Ruud]

Wow, Mike, these are amazing sketches!

[mikeDnight]

6 hours ago, N3ptune said:

22/02/09 is my favourite!

Mine too!

Looking back I think I made a mistake with the north/south orientation, but the drawings are accurate, though out of necessity more intense, than the real life view.

Mike ☺