Lunar crater Maurolycus and environs
Sketch and Details by Frank McCabe
Among the craters in the southern highlands this large walled plain crater (115 km.) really stands out. Seeing this crater on the sunrise terminator was all the motivation I needed to attempt a sketch. The atmosphere was somewhat turbulent so I keep the magnification in the medium range.
I drew this crater back in late July of 2008 when it was illuminated by a higher sun at the waning gibbous phase. As I continued to sketch, the central peak of this crater began to catch the rising sun, and I immediately recalled a beautiful sketch of this crater under similar lighting made by Rich Handy back in 2006 or there about.
Just above Maurolycus which would be south in the sketch, the dark crescent seen is a partial remnant of a more ancient crater than the old Nectarian period Maurolycus. The outer wall of this crater and its partner to the south, south east Barocius (83 km.) stand tall and steep more than 4 kilometers above the floor.
Sketching:
For this sketch I used: black Strathmore 400 Artagain paper 9”x12”, white and black Conte’ pastel pencils and a blending stump. After scanning, Brightness was decreased (-3) and contrast increased (+2) using Microsoft Office Picture Manager.
Telescope: 10 inch f/ 5.7 Dobsonian and 8 mm eyepiece 181 x
Date: 10-24 to 10-25-2009, 10:40-12:05 UT
Temperature: 13° C (55° F)
Partly Cloudy, calm
Seeing: Antoniadi III-IV
Colongitude 347.1 °
Lunation 6.75 days
Illumination 40.2 %
Frank McCabe
Frank.
I am very intrigued by that sketch.
As a avid deep sky observer I usually avoid the moon like the plague.
However I may actually start observing it more often.
Scott.
Frank,
🙂
Marek
Scott and Marek,
Thank you both.
—-
Scott
On nights when it is in the sky — go with it. The moon should always add to your observing enjoyment and never subtract from it. It is more a matter of frame of mind to see what it has to offer.
Frank 🙂
Frank your usual top quality work, well done my friend.:)
Scott I used to think and talk like that now I embrace lady Luna at every chance and marvel at the beauty and changing complexity of her features. I encourage you to do like wise, you won’t be dissapointed. Binoviewers optional but highly recomended 🙂 Dale
Dale,
Thank you for your generous words and eloquent addition to what I was saying to Scott.
Frank 🙂