Clavius Suspended Over the Terminator

Clavius

Lunar crater Clavius
Sketch and Details by Frank McCabe

At about 3:00 universal time April 4, 2009 the large well known crater Clavius (225 km.) was suspended over the terminator in a remarkable way I don’t get to see often enough. I was observing with a 4.25 inch f/5 Newtonian using a 4mm eyepiece 135x. I felt compelled to grab a quick sketch of this remarkable view. After 40 minutes this is what I came up with. The craters on the central floor of Clavius, namely D and C were visible during the entire session and sunlight was spreading across the crater floor around these craters as I worked. For sketching I used 3 graphite pencils (2H, B and 6B) and a sheet of copy paper. The final sketch was adjusted in brightness +2 and contrast +2 after scanning. The sky was clear and cold 3.3°C or 38°F. Seeing was below average Antoniadi IV. The moon at the time of the sketch was 8.4 days old.

Frank McCabe

4 thoughts on “Clavius Suspended Over the Terminator”

  3. Frank,

    I agree with Marek. A beautiful sketch of Clavius. You’re absolutely right. You have to speed up while sketching. I didn’t believe that light is changing so quick on the moon until I sketched my crater triplet.

    I was tempted to sketch Clavius 15 hours later, but we had a star party with public tours during the 100 hours of astronomy. So there was no time for me to sketch. I know, it’s a shame, but a lot of people were thrilled by stunning views through my 12″ Dobson using a binocular;)

    And now, weather and work is against, but my next sketch will come. Promised.

    Dirk

  4. Frank,

    this is a very good sketch of Clavius at that time of illumination. I never saw Clavius like this. About 15 hours later I was tempted to sketch Clavius as well, but I didn’t find the time during the sky tours we gave to the public during the 100 hours of astronomy.

    I know what your are talking about. It also was a race for me when I sketched the crater triplet. It really is incredible how quick illumination changes the scene on the moon during a one hour session.

    Dirk

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