In today’s world of amateur astronomy many chose to capture images with DSLR and CCD cameras.  But for some astronomers they still chose another route, sketching.  Sketching is an amazing way to observe, carefully examining the object, making sure to capture the smallest of details.  It is truly an art and also a measure of patients, but this hasn’t stopped many of today’s amateurs.  Sketching is alive and well, a quick look around many of the solar forums of the large astronomy websites and sketches of the sun can be seen every day!

One such sketcher is Alan Strauss.  Alan has become a well respected solar sketch artist on the forums of Cloudy Nights, posting a sketch nearly every morning!  Much of Alan’s work is done through his LS60THa/PT and his TEC140ED with a Lunt Solar Wedge for white light.  His sketches truly capture an impressive amount of detail!  Detailed surface detail, strong active regions, dark filaments, and raging prominences can all be seen in his sketches, much like a CCD image!  Below is one of his sketches through his LS60THa/PT.

While Alan does much of his sketching from his home observatory, Lost Pleiad Observatory, he does bring out his gear to some of the larger Arizona star parties.  I had the pleasure of meeting Alan and his good friend and observing partner Jerry Farrar at the All Arizona Messier Marathon in March 2010.  Both of them spent nearly an hour and half sketching through the LS60T, TEC140, and LS152T making sure they caught every last detail!

(One of Alan’s White Light Sketches)

Though Alan spends a considerable amount of time under the sun, he also does a lot of deep sky work, sketching galaxies, nebula, and star clusters; all of which can be seen on his website (click the link above).

Sketching takes time and practice like anything else, Alan gives thanks to his observing partner Jerry Farrar for teaching him the ways of sketching and observing. Alan plans to continue his sketching, always refining his techniques and constantly learning.  He hopes to one day upgrade to the LS100THa which will provide even high resolution and help capture finer details!

Sketching is indeed an art, it requires patients and a steady eye.  So give it a try next time your out on a scope!  Even just a basic drawing of what you see, this can help with further observations, maybe through different scopes, different filters, and different observing sites.  Most importantly, go out and have a good time!

(Alan’s White Light set up; TEC140ED with Lunt 2″ Solar Wedge)

About Lunt Solar Systems LLC…

Lunt Solar Systems is a manufacturing and sales facility located in Tucson, Arizona. Lunt Solar design, fabricate, assemble, and test solar telescopes and solar filters. Whether you are looking for a dedicated solar telescope or a solar filter for attachment to you own astronomy telescope, we can help. Solar telescopes models start at $499 for an LS35T (telescope) or the only slightly more expensive LS50F (filter), all the way thru the 152T and the 160F. Solar observing is both fun and educational. Don’t miss out on Solar Maximum.