Sketching and Imaging with Your Dob

Abstract

One of the great virtues of owning a large Dobsonian telescope is that it can be used to plumb the depths of the deep sky, pulling out myriad nebulae, open clusters, and faint galaxies that skirt the great dark of interstellar space. The spectacular light-gathering power of even an 8-inch or 10-inch ‘scope has inspired many amateurs to try their hand at astronomical sketching and astrophotography. This chapter explores some of the extraordinary achievements of amateurs using modest equipment and more than a little enthusiasm.