Episode 234

Welcome to The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.

I’m your host, Tim Robertson, Executive Director of the ALPO, and this podcast is dedicated to visual observing, scientific contribution, and the art of truly seeing what’s at the eyepiece.

Today we’re focusing on one of the oldest and most powerful observing techniques in astronomy — drawing what you see.

In an age of high-speed cameras and stacked digital images, there is still something profoundly powerful about sitting at the telescope and translating light and shadow onto paper. Lunar sketching forces you to slow down, to notice subtle tonal gradients, crater wall structure, rilles, domes, and the delicate contrast along the terminator.

My guest today is lunar artist Mary McIntyre, whose detailed and atmospheric sketches of the Moon have inspired observers across social media and astronomy groups. Her work beautifully bridges art and scientific observation — reminding us that drawing is not just artistic expression, but a powerful tool for improving observational skill.

Today we’ll talk about her journey into lunar observing, her process at the eyepiece, the tools she uses, and why sketching the Moon may be one of the best ways to become a better observer.

Mary, welcome to The Observers Notebook.

You can contact Mary McIntyre at:

Mary McIntyre FRAS

www.marymcintyreastronomy.co.uk

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:

www.alpo-astronomy.org/

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