The Large Magellanic Cloud
Dorado/Mensa
01/02/11
Ilford NSW Australia
Televue 76mm Apo refractor
Field: 317′
Magnification: 31x
Sky quality meter reading: 21:77
Black Canford paper
White pen
White pencil
Paint brush
White pastel chalk
White pastel pencil
If there is ever an excuse to expound the virtues of a fine quality rich field refractor, then a wide field panorama of the LMC would have to be it.
I have had a number of people just “blown away” by the experience of virtually capturing the entire vista of this magnificent dwarf galaxy in the one field that
I decided whenever the time was right, I will have to attempt a sketch.
The 31mm Nagler I used for this effort was almost as big as the telescope, but the view it gives is a truly noble experience.
At the top of the sketch and very conspicuous is the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070).
The rest of the field is strewn with a plethora open clusters and nebulosity to numerous to mention here.
The sketch took quite some time to complete and was very tedious.
However it can never replace the actual visual splendor of this object.
The Large Magellanic Cloud was first mentioned in literature as far back as 964AD.
Amerigo Vespucci recorded observations of it in 1503-04.
Ferdinand Magellan during his voyage in 1519 noted it, and it now bears his name.
The LMC was home to supernova 1987A, the only naked eye supernova visible for over 400 years.
Scott Mellish
WOW!
Scott, you have out done yourself mate. This is quite an extraordinary effort, and we are now able to admire the level of your experience.
To undertake such a complex, large target is a very brave attempt. I have often cruised through the LMC, and the level of complex structures is staggering, both with telescopes and binoculars. This sketch of yours is a true marvel, and will serve to inspire me for a long time.
Congratulations mate!
Alex M.
Scott,
Truly an awe inspiring sketch. I am so glad you sketched and posted this beautiful vista here. How impressive.
Wonderful!
Frank 🙂
Scott,
such a wide object is not an easy job, very well done!
I envy you such a vista!
One day I’ll move the other emisphere…
Stefano
Hey, man, it seems we are in the right half of the Earth. Your sketch is as stunning as the target.
Dear all
Many thanks for your comments.
A dark site is a must for this sort of detail, because as soon as you hit the suburbs the LMC and the SMC disappear from view.
It is always sad when you mention the clouds to city dwellers and they say-
“What are they?”
Scott.