Sketching Observing Program

Sketching Observing Program Coordinator:

Cindy L. Krach, DVM
Haleakala Amateur Astronomers
P.O. Box 1164
Kula, Maui HI 96790
alastrosketch@gmail.com

Introduction

Aloha and welcome to the Astronomical League Sketching Observing Program. This award was created by members of the Haleakala Amateur Astronomers on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. We hope this Observing Program will help you gain a greater appreciation for sketching astronomical objects and enhance your skills in recording observations.

Historically astronomers employed sketches to record their observations and ground-breaking discoveries. With the advent of astrophotography, one might question why anyone would want to sketch astronomical objects. There is no need to compare the two as they are different forms of recording information. However, while astrophotography requires a sizable investment, computer software & time to process images, sketching requires only paper, a pencil and a few other inexpensive items.

There are many advantages to sketching astronomical objects:

Sketching requires the observer to slow down long enough to record what is being viewed. This requires more time and concentration than writing words in a journal. As a result, amateur astronomers develop their observing skills as they see finer details in the objects they sketch.
Sketching provides a permanent record of observations. Details that may be difficult to put into words can be illustrated on paper. It is enjoyable for observers to go back to original observations as time goes by & see how their skills have changed as well as their ability to record details. A sketch can bring back vivid memories of the observation in a way words written may not.
While photographs may bring out the beauty and detail of an object, they do not adequately record what is actually observed at the eyepiece by the individual.
Sketching brings about a feeling of accomplishment at having created a lasting impression of the objects observed.

Whether a cluster like the Pleiades seen with delicate beauty with the unaided eye or in a small telescope or binoculars, or a cluster like NGC 7789 whose thousands of stars are seen with overpowering wonder in a large telescope, open clusters can only bring awe and amazement to the viewer.

Each Observing Program has unique requirements. After reading this web page, and reviewing the Quick View of Requirements grid, if you have any questions about your equipment or how you plan to do your observations, please contact the Coordinator before you start observing.

Background Information

Overview & Purpose:

The Sketching Observing Program was not created specifically for “artists.” It is for everyone regardless of the level of experience or artistic ability. So before you say “But I can’t sketch” you may surprise yourself over time with a little patience, care, and practice. There are tutorial links and other resources listed at the end of this page that are highly informative and recommended for those new to sketching astronomical objects. These resources provide an excellent starting point for those who have never sketched or are intimidated by the process. There are also advanced tips for more detailed sketching and for those with more experience. The main focus of the Observing Program is not to make artists out of amateur astronomers but to help slow down the observing process and improve observing skills over time. As with anything, practice will improve the ability to recreate what is observed in the eyepiece.

The object list (as a PDF file or an MS Excel Spread Sheet) was created by members of the Haleakala Amateur Astronomers (HAA) of Maui, Hawaii and includes lunar, planetary, double stars, nebula, open and globular clusters, and more. The last column in the spreadsheet list designates the relative sketching difficulty of the object. Level 1 is simple and Levels 2 and 3 are more complex. Those new to astronomical sketching may wish to start with Level 1 objects and progress from there. To qualify for the award certificate and pin observers must sketch 75 of 114 objects on the list. Most of the objects are well within the reach of amateur astronomers in the northern hemisphere, although the list also contains some southern objects from which to choose.

Special thanks to those members of HAA who worked together to create this Observing Program;
Cindy L. Krach, Steve McGaughey, Rob Ratkowski, Jan Roberson, Robert Zaleski, & Dr. J.D. Armstrong . The pin design sports a hand sketching a colorized Pleiades, created by Cindy Krach & Steve McGauhey of HAA, with special thanks to graphic artist Kathyrn Ratkowski. For their financial support of this program, we would like to gratefully acknowledge the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy, as well as members of Haleakala Amateur Astronomers.

Requirements and Rules

This certification is available to members of the Astronomical League, either through their local astronomical society or as members at large. If you are not a member and would like to become one, check with your local astronomical society, search for a local society on the Astronomical League Website (click here), or join as a Member-At-Large in the AL Store.

The list contains a wide variety of 114 objects. Only 75 sketches are required for the award of certificate and pin, however, observers are encouraged to sketch as many as possible using different techniques. Some objects in the list may not be visible from the observer’s latitude. Observers may choose any within their means & region to make up the 75 objects.
Sketch log information should include the observer’s name, object observed, the location from which the observation was made (latitude and longitude), size of instrument & magnification, as well as filters used, seeing and transparency estimates, a short written description of the observation, and the media used to create the sketch. The information does not need to be part of the sketch and can be submitted separately if desired.
All sketches must be performed at the eyepiece, and not from photographs of the object. It is acceptable to clean up sketches in brighter light (smudges, elongated stars, etc.) but further enhancements are discouraged if not observed at the eyepiece.
Cardinal directions must be provided on each sketch. For information on how to determine these, click here.
Previous sketches are allowed in the program at a maximum of 10 previously sketched objects. All information required for each sketch must be clearly marked with each observation.
Sketches created using digital media will be accepted as long as all information is provided for each sketch.
A template log form is provided. Observers may also use sketch templates from the Belt of Venus website. We recommend printing on sturdy heavy-weight paper such as 28# weight. You may also use a bound sketch pad with a minimum of 3” circles drawn to represent the eyepiece. The drawn circles are not a requirement however and sketches may be submitted in any manner so long as all the required information is present for the sketch.
Observers may sketch the object at whatever magnification is most comfortable as long as this provides the details needed to represent the object.

Submitting for Certification

To receive your certificate and/or pin, mail or email a copy of your observations to the Observing Program Coordinator. Include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and society affiliation. Indicate to whom the certification should be sent.

Suggested Supplies

Paper – Observers may use one of the templates provided or one of their own creation. Sketch circles should be a minimum of 3″ diameter. We recommend printing on heavy-weight paper such as 28# weight, or a sketch pad such as Strathmore white and/or black. Experimenting with white & black paper as well as colored pencils is encouraged.
Variety of pencils including 2B, charcoal pencils, colored pencils
Gummy kneaded eraser
Blending stumps or tortilla
Sharpener or sandpaper on a small board
A clipboard with a rubber band attached to the bottom to hold the paper down
Charcoal sticks – black & white
Red light to clip on clipboard
Fixative spray to lightly fix the sketch once finished

To receive your certification, please contact the Sketching Observing Program Coordinator. Include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, society affiliation, and to whom the certification should be sent.