by Len Larkin
(Click on the image for a larger version of the graphic created from scanned versions of some sunspot sketches Len made many years ago.)
This graphic contains a collection of ten sunspot drawings made over the summer of 1981. A 60mm refractor on a non-motorized mount was setup for image projection. These are Len Larkins' first attempt at sketching sunspots.
One large group figures prominently in several of the sketches and its evolution can be roughly followed, allowing a margin for artistic error. The sketches, dating from July 22 to August 26, cover more than one complete solar rotation (27 days approx., at solar equator). Note that Solar maximum years were 1980 and 1991, and presumably 2002.
The best thing about solar observing... It's always sunny and you don't loose any sleep!
Len also has the individual drawings available on file.