The western side of the Moon comes into view as the lunar phase waxes from First Quarter towards Full Moon, revealing more treats for stargazers, even equipped with small telescopes, 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.
For an alternative, inverted view, here is a chart with south at the top.
You can download a check sheet for the entire list of 50 features here! (PDF file).
Fifty fantastic features
Our amazing Moon.
Here’s our guide to observing some of the finest sights on the Moon with small telescopes.
North-east quadrant
What to see in the north-east.
Here’s where to find some of the fantastic features visible on the north-east quadrant of the Moon.
South-east quadrant
What to see in the south-east.
Here’s where to find some of the fantastic features visible on the south-east quadrant of the Moon.
