Here are more features visible with amateur astronomers’ telescopes as the Moon grows from a crescent to First Quarter phase following New Moon. Mare Fecunditatis, the Sea of Fertility, and Mare Nectaris, the Sea of Nectar, are the dark lava plains that dominate the south-eastern quadrant of the Moon.
They are easy to see in binoculars. While the Moon is still a fine crescent, use your telescope to look for the large and easy to spot craters of Langrenus, Vendelinus and Petavius.
More and more impact sites will come into view as the lunar phase grows and the crater-strewn southern region of the Moon becomes visible.
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.
North-west quadrant
What to see in the north-west.
Here’s where to find some of the fantastic features visible on the north-west quadrant of the Moon.
South-west quadrant
What to see in the south-west.
Here’s where to find some of the fantastic features visible on the south-west quadrant of the Moon.