Saturn Sketch

Drawing of Saturn from observation dated 4/18/03. The image was recorded with pencil on paper and then transferred to digital media using Corel Photo Paint. Click here to see original pencil sketch. It is quite interesting to note that at the image scale and resolution presented here, subtle planetary detail is lost because it becomes sub-pixel in size, while at the same time these features are readily discernible at the eyepiece. This effect seems more pronounced with Saturn maybe because the planet's features are of such low contrast. Observation notes can be found below.

Observed the planet at 255X and 156x using a Tele Vue 11mm Plossl and a Meade SWA 18mm on my new Nexstar 11 GPS. The seeing was average - three out of six - with high frequency undulations. Transparency was average. The detail was observed over a period of 45 minutes, with detail being discernible over periods of roughly six seconds per minute. Subtle spoke like striations were observed on the inner edges of the inner ring opposite the planet's equator - a first for this observer. Enceladus was observed briefly close to the north side of the planet. Mimas was not seen.