Celestial odd couple

M81 and M82 

M81 and M82 are a galactic pair that I found to be a rewarding target. Structure in
M81 was visible with averted vision, while M82 showed no detail. I always find it
nice to have more than one galaxy in my field of view.
This sketch was rendered on Strathmore Windpower Sketch paper with a .5mm mechanical
pencil. MGI Photosuite III was used for post processing.

Jason Aldridge
North Port, FL

4 thoughts on “Celestial odd couple”

  1. That’s good Jason I like it. This duo and their fainter close neighbours are great favourites of mine and I vist them frequently.

    Now for dumb questions, sorry but still I’m learning. What is a mechanical pencil? And how does MGI Photosuite III help give you a better presentation of your work?

    Warmest regards Dale

  3. Jason,

    Excellent sketch of the odd couple. This duo makes for pleasant comparison with low power and both in the same field of view. Excellent job.

    Frank

  4. Thank you Dale, Peter, and Frank!

    Dale, a mechanical pencil looks like a pen, but instead of ink it has .5mm graphite “rods” (they come in .7mm too). You just push a button to release the graphite. It beats having to sharpen your pencil every few minutes.
    MGI Photosuite III is an old photo editing program that I use to invert to white on black (I draw black on white), add the FOV circle and text to my sketches. I also use it to adjust the brightness and contrast of the sketched object so it reflects the way I see it through the eyepiece. I will be more than happy to help you with any other questions you might have. Feel free to email me at jaycin71@yahoo.com

    Thanks again, I hope this helps. 🙂

    Jason

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