That's the way to draw it.

Long before the digital ccd and the film emulsion of photos past, there was pencil, ink and paper. 

Many of the lunar images I admire most fit the category of sketches or drawings.

There's something magical about being at a telescope, pencil and paper at the ready, teasing out lunar detail with eye and mind.

Then the hand converts those thoughts and findings into a working sketch.

Many a time I have looked to one of my old astronomy drawings and remember clearly the evening in question.

Here's a drawing by one of my favourite amateur astronomers, H.P Wilkins.

All the information you need is there, and beautifully drawn.

If Mr Wilkins was alive today, I bet he would remember that evening of September 21st 1939 clearly, as if it was yesterday. 

From am old astronomy memory.

Observing the sunspots in 1991.

Was it a hundred years ago, or just yesterday?  Seems like both.

This observing session is still vivid in my mind, it was a beautiful blue sky day. 

No fancy GOTO systems, just a simple Tasco telescope on a rickety alt/az mount, cheap eyepieces and scraps of paper. 

Love them or hate them, those wobbly old "department Store" refractors sure knew how to make memories.

Hiding from Amy, thinking of France.

We've been hiding in the bushes these past couple of days, away from storm Amy. 

No stars, no Moon, just several hours of armchair astronomy and a bit of photo editing of some 2024 France astro pics.

All of the above images were captured with my phone camera. 

On our next visit to France we will definitely be bringing a digital slr.

Our old Nikon D50 would do the job nicely for the shots I'm thinking of taking.

As storm Amy begins to fade, I see hints of blue appearing once again. 

Time to dust down the Vixen telescope.

Welcome to the night.

19h44m BST:

My inked words, on the page are barely visible, such is the twilight darkening fast. 

Each word now is a guess as I quickly write before the failing of the light.

The crescent Moon casts light across the bay, a glittering pathway, a road of Luna sparkle, safely walked only with imagination.

The bats fly by, hello - goodbye.

19h45m BST: 

No stars as yet, not a single solitary peep, I will have to take a closer look.

Sure enough, at 19h48m BST there was Arcturus, out to the west, hanging above St David's head.

On the beach before me a group of shadows shaped like sitting people -  Buddhas, pondering no doubt their own cosmic wonders, hopes, dreams and such.

19h51m BST: 

My words, finally succumb, I no longer see what I'm writing, but I carry on for a little while with guesswork and memory.

The sea waves sting the shoreline with a constant hiss from sand and brine.

My tea cup is empty, my mind is empty.

Welcome to the night.

The sheep talked much of the Moon.

Eight years ago this very evening we found ourselves at Mwnt church.

Just Helen and I and a collection of philosophical sheep. 

All was still, then up came the Moon.

The lunar rays were tinged orange, it shone a marvellous hint of warm fireside light across the white walls of little Mwnt church.

The sheep commented amongst themselves as to how pretty the night was, and how exceptionally beautiful was the Moonrise.

Over to the East, Mars was peeping out of nearby bushes.

It was a wonderful night for poets and dreamers.

Here's a small verse, and observation I made at the time,  from a recently refound journal:

Under the trees - Under the stars.

Last night we slept under a canopy of oak trees. 

Periodically acorns would fall from that canopy and crash loudly against the roof of our camping car.

It sounded as if someone was hurling ball bearings against the roof.

Surprisingly we managed to sleep well through the whole experience.

Outside the stars shone brightly.

To the North, all seven stars of the Little Bear stood out against a black 11.00pm sky. 

To the South Altair could be seen over the tops of some nearby trees.

In the near distance, two owls were talking about the weather.

It was a night to remember.

All was quiet, and astronomer still.

Mr Blue is back.

After four days of mist and rain, the Sun and Mr Blue sky return.

I love you Sun, I love you Mr Blue.

So amazing to wash my face with sunlight again. 

To bathe my feet in sunlit pools, and to revitalise my retinas with glaring photons, what a glorious pleasure.

Chanced a few solar pictures, this was the best of several shots taken.

Judging by what I can see today, from these active regions, it seems there is  plenty of solar activity still in this current cycle.

Thank you Sol, and Thank you Mr Blue.

Waiting for the rain.

If I listen carefully, I can just about hear the tiny tip tap of rain drops as they hit our camping car roof. 

Within the hour is forecast a down pour, though at this moment all is quiet and hushed .

A nearby vixen calls, the night is upon us, but sadly no stars.

Infact no stars for the last couple of nights, due to high winds and bullying clouds.

Autumn is here, and time and thoughts now turn to poetry.

This poem No: 494 was written last year whilst we were in France. 

It's also that time of year that the paintbrush and canvas usually grab me.

With poetry and painting to occupy the mind, I have plenty to keep me going whenever the clouds fill out the night.

Not long now and we will be heading off on a bit of a road trip, first stop will be a favourite... Brecon.

Amazing sunrises over this wonderful town, and some great dark skies. 

Total eclipse over Pembs Land.

Yesterday started with rain followed by rain and then guess what... yes rain!

Not the best start for an eclipse event, though the weather did improve as the day went on.

By early evening the Sun was shining, the clouds were making blue gaps, and the rain was having a well deserved rest!

The cloud on the horizon blocked out the Moonrise, but no matter we did manage a glimpse of the event. 

I was able to  capture a few photos.

Had a lovely chat with a couple of fellow stargazers, which made for a great evening of astronomy talk.

It was a good evening of lunar viewing, albeit in small peeps. 

Penblwydd Hapus Jac.

Vixen was out chasing the Sun this afternoon. 

Considering how wet and windy the day started I was surprised the afternoon behaved so well.

A quick solar image revealed several active regions, proof that this current sol cycle still has plenty of life in it.

So much light was flooding into the kitchen that the floor and door was positively glowing in a honeyed September light.

In a few hours time little Vixen will be set up on top of nearby Plumstone mountain, with the hope of capturing that rising Total Lunar Eclipse. 

There's a 25% chance that the clouds and rain will put a spanner in the works, but with luck that red faced Moon will make an appearance.

❤️❤️❤️PENBLWYDD HAPUS JAC❤️❤️❤️

XX🤠👩‍🌾XX

Still no Kemble's Cascade. A perfect Autumn day.

Still no Kemble's Cascade last night, too much cloud.

Hopefully Sunday will be clear for the total lunar eclipse. 

Today the clouds parted long enough for a quick Sol capture.

Some fast moving cloud shortened the observing session. 

Thought I would try out the video function on our phone.

The clouds filled the sky, and the observing session was cut short.

No matter, I managed a few peeps at the various active regions.

From some nearby trees several birds were happily singing to each other, and the September breeze was on the back of my neck. 

A perfect Autumn day.