The Moon – north-west quadrant


Moon north-west

The western side of the Moon comes into view as the lunar phase waxes from First Quarter towards Full Moon, revealing more treats for telescope and binocular users.
Watch the Apennine mountain range continue to reveal itself, followed by the spectacular craters Copernicus, Kepler and the brilliant Aristarchus. When the Moon is Full, great bright rays of debris can be seen stretching away from these impact sites.

Sinus Iridum is a lava-flooded bay on the edge of Mare Imbrium, the Sea of Rains. Nearby you will find the dome Rümker, a peculiar pattern of bumps. The last of the major maria to become visible as the Moon approaches Full is Oceanus Procellarum, the Ocean of Storms.

Update! For an alternative, inverted view, here is a chart with south at the top.

Moon north-west

You can download a check sheet for the entire list of 50 features here! (PDF file).



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About us

This Moon guide is aimed at helping beginners in amateur astronomy to observe our natural satellite.
Download a check sheet here! (PDF file).
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Moon today

Full Moon: Feb 7
Last Quarter: Feb 14
New Moon: Feb 21
First Quarter: Mar 1

Courtesy U.S.N.O.
Phase

• Our Moon guide will help you find 50 lunar features with a small telescope.

50 fantastic features

Below is a list of craters and other features that you can spot with a small telescope. Click on the name to bring up a map showing its location.