Sketched at approximately 03:30 CST, May 2, 2004.  From top to bottom, the craters are Phocylides, Nasmyth, and Wargentin.  A 10" reflector was used at 300x magnification with a yellow #21 filter for contrast.

Sunspots of active region 0486 observed with a 102mm refractor at f/10, using 200x magnification and a full aperture solar filter.  To sharpen the already contrasty views, an MV20 filter was also utilized for this sketch.  The darker umbrae were touched up with black acrylic paint and a fine brush.  Rendered in October, 2003.

Resolving the core of globular cluster M5 in Serpens with a 10" f/5 reflector. Various magnifications were used to complete this image. White pastel and charcoal on black paper. Inspired by my daughter Ali and rendered in June, 2003.

Planet Jupiter observed with a 120mm refractor at f/8.3, using  240x and 300x magnifications. A light green #11 filter was utilized for this sketch.  At 0500 CST, November 9, 2003, the Jovian central meridian longitudes were as follows:  CMI 219.7  CMII 253.5  CMIII 149.6

A color sketch of Mars as viewed through Vance Petriew's 20" reflector at f/5, using 300x magnification. The sketch was made on August 30, 2003.

Planetary nebula M76, known as the "Butterfly Nebula" in Perseus, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 100x magnification. An O-III filter was utilized for this white pastel on black art paper sketch. 

Open cluster M44, known as the "Praesepe", in Cancer, observed with Vance Petriew’s 20" reflector at f/5, using 80x magnification for this white charcoal on black art paper sketch. 

Planetary nebula M57, known as the "Ring Nebula" in Lyra, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5. An O-III filter was utilized for this white pastel on black art paper sketch.

Open cluster M36 in Auriga, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 150x magnification for this white charcoal on black art paper sketch.

Planetary nebula M27, known as the "Dumbbell Nebula" in Vulpecula, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 70-140x magnifications. An O-III filter was utilized for this white pastel on black art paper sketch.

Globular cluster M68 in Hydra, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5. Various magnifications were used while making this sketch. Previous sketches and photocopied enlargements were referred to as well.

Lunar Crater Bulliadus observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 275x magnification. A red wratten #23 filter was utilized for this sketch.

Lunar Crater Cleomedes observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 300x magnification. A Moon filter and a blue wratten #80a filter were utilized for this sketch.

Lunar Crater Copernicus observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using magnifications from 300-400x. A Moon filter and a blue wratten #80a filter were utilized for this sketch.

Sinus Iridium on the Moon observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 300x magnification. A Moon filter and a blue wratten #80a filter were utilized while making this sketch.

This is an artistic concept Michael sketched of a dwarf nova type cataclysmic variable star system, based on various descriptions available to him in astronomy videos and books.

Distant galaxies M84 and M86, with others in constellation Virgo, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 40x magnification while making this sketch.

Planet Jupiter, with Great Red Spot in transit observed with Vance Petriew's 20" reflector at f/5, using 420x and 840x magnifications. Also seen in this sketch are Jupiter’s four Galilean moons. The moon Io was visible near the left limb of Jupiter with its shadow cast on Jupiter. The disc of the moon Ganymede displayed its haunting gray disc with hints of bright mottling as it passed in front of Jupiter. The views were about as perfect as they ever get with an amateur telescope! This sketch was made on February 27th, 2003.

Globular cluster M79 in Lepus, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using various magnifications for this white charcoal on black paper sketch. 

Globular cluster M3 in Canes Venatici, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using various magnifications for this white charcoal on black art paper sketch.

Planet Saturn and several of its moons, observed with Vance Petriew's 20" reflector at f/5, using 420x magnification. The beauty of Saturn at the eyepiece is something that simply cannot be captured in the finest photographs. This sketch was made on January 29th, 2003.

Comet 2002 V1 NEAT observed with a 10" reflector at f/5. The comet's diffuse coma was estimated to be around magnitude 5.6. The bright star on the left is GSC 580:466 in constellation Pisces, at magnitude 9.8. 139x magnification was used while making this sketch on January 29th, 2003. 

Planetary nebula M97, known as the "Owl Nebula" in Ursa Major, observed with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 139x and 150x magnifications. An O-III filter was utilized while making this sketch.

Lunar Crater Petavius observed with an 8" reflector at f/6. 400x magnification was used. This sketch represents a turning point for Michael, being the very first attempt at sketching anything in his life. During Waning Crescent Moon, October, 2002.

Double Cluster in Perseus (NGC 884 and 869) observed near zenith with a 10" reflector at f/5, using 50x magnification for this sketch on January 1, 2003.

Lunar Crater Gassendi observed with an 8" reflector telescope at f/6. 400x magnification was used for this sketch. Michael identified features from an old Moon map he borrowed. 

The Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, known as M13, observed with an 8" reflector at f/6. 55x and 136x magnifications were used. Completed on December 7, 2002, it was Michael's first attempt at sketching a star cluster.