February 9, 2015

Seeing Double: Pythagoras

Originally published February 9, 2004

Photo and Drawing Credit: Carol Lakomiak

Seeing Double: Pythagoras From Galileo in 1610 through the early 20th century, the only way to depict the lunar surface was by peering through a telescope and drawing what was seen. Lunar drawings were affected by each observer's telescope and eyepieces, seeing, visual acuity and artistic abilities. Naturally, variations in each of these, from night to night, or observer to observer, resulted in drawings that were generally similar, but different in details. As documented in the wonderful book Epic Moon these differences were almost always interpreted as real changes on the Moon. Relatively high resolution lunar images - starting with those taken with the Lick 36" refractor in the 1920s - finally provided evidence that allowed claims of changes to be tested, and so far, always rejected. Carol Lakomiak of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, is one of the few current observers who practices both the artistic and imaging traditions. Her drawing of the north polar region crater Pythagoras was made Sept 9, 2003 with an 8" Meade SCT at a magnification of 226. Carol used the same telescope with a Nikon CP4300 camera on Dec 23, 2003 to capture the image. Both the drawing and image show about the same lunar phase and are quite similar. But the drawing is stylized and lacks the details - especially for the surroundings beyond the crater - that are captured by the image. This doesn't mean the photo is better, but each is a useful depiction for some things. To search for changes over time the image is a better benchmark, but the drawing provides a much more realistic feeling for the observing experience. Related Links: Carol's Image Gallery Pythagoras of Samos Yesterday's LPOD: Crazy Quilt Imbrium Tomorrow's LPOD: Lunar Pyroclastics

Author & Editor: Charles A. Wood

 

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