How to sketch deep-sky objects

Observers can get many practical benefits from recording their visual impressions of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies on paper. The most important is the pure observing experience. It’s the finest way to get acquainted with different classes of objects; by sketching them you’ll see how nebulae differ from galaxies, how open clusters differ from globulars. You won’t “just look.” You’ll trace out spiral arms and dust lanes, spot central stars in planetary nebulae, and see how delicate nebulosity wraps around bright blue stars. You might even record on paper a supernova in a distant galaxy. By forcing you to observe with a critical eye, sketching will make you a better observer.