M53 Globular Cluster with 12"

[DarkerSky]

Here's my M53 globular cluster sketch in Coma Berenices through my 12" scope at x300. Observing & sketching time on this was about 4 hours total over 3 observing nights. I'm pretty happy with the result. Plotting the positions of some of the fainter halo stars was a challenge! Resolved 30+ of them in the end. I just love the 12th mag star in the NE. It really sparkles in the eyepiece

The inner halo stars were on the edge of resolution and gave a dappled appearance. The core itself was clumpy with brighter areas and darker areas. Definitiely less round at high power than at low power.

[russ]

I think you have done an amazing job with that Seb. Your 4 hours hard work has really paid off. I never observed M53 with the 12 when i had it, so can't say how my view appeared. But will now checkout M53 with the 6".

[DarkerSky]

Thanks Russ. It's been a nice little project this one

[callisto]

Exellent, just like looking through an eyepiece

[RikM]

That's really a fabulous sketch. Well done.

[gliderpilot]

Stunning, well done. A very worthwhile endeavour and you have captured the true eyepiece view.

You'll have to do the Double Cluster next!

[DarkerSky]

Thanks all...just the thought of sketching the double cluster, Mark, fills me with dread!! I think my eyes would end up looking like this >>

[blackparticle]

Excellent. I can appreciate the effort that went into that.

[Slangers]

Beautiful work.

[Venus_is_my_friend]

Great job and great detail.

Is it a scan to negative or did you clean it up in photoshop?

[DarkerSky]

Thanks for the comments all.

It is a scan from the original drawing that I then converted to negative. Got rid of a few dust specks, rounded some stars and brightened some stars in photo software

Currently working on a detailed sketch of M5 globular cluster, but having to stop for moon interference. It is taking me forever!

[spaceboy]

This is great. I just wish I had some drawing talent and the patience to do it.

[F15Rules]

Hat's off to you and your skill with a pencil! Honestly thought I was looking at a photo at first.

Dave

[cplee42]

Superb effort! Globulars are really hard to capture a "3D" feel since they have faint little "firecrackers" that pop in and out of view and you think you'd never capture them all. However your efforts simply prove the lie. Well worth the effort in recording them.

[MjrTom]

This is excellent!

You can see a great deal more than I can see in a 3 inch refractor

[Adamski]

Thats a very good sketch, who needs cameras hey?

[BigJohn]

Absolutely astounding! I am impressed by the amount of hard work and talent.

[mdstuart]

I agree amazing. My drawing of M53 has a blob and the 13th mag star and thats it. This should be picture of the week!

Mark

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Really lovely drawing. Excellent work.

[astroeddie]

Fantastic detail Seb.

I'm returning to astronomy and inparticular sketching with a 12" Flexi Auto in a couple of weeks.

Looking at this amazing rendition, its more than whetted my apertite.

Did you complete this in pencil and then invert the image or actual white on black. ???

Eddie Horsley

[DarkerSky]

Thanks again to all of you for the kind comments.

Eddie - yes, it was a pencil sketch on white, which I then inverted on my scanner. It'll be great to see your 12" sketches. The LMC sketch from the Falklands was a beauty!

[Multi-Coated]

Very nice indeed , that's some dame fine skill you have, pleasure to view.

[cook478]

very nice great work it some i might do too

[MikeWilson]

Beautiful and accurate!

[Astrokev]

Just seen this Seb.

Beautiful work. I really admire your patience over so many hours to capture this. Excellent stuff!

Kev