Here is a selection of objects for amateur astronomers to view with a small telescope in the south west quadrant of the Moon. This region comes into view following First Quarter phase, and begins to go back into shadow between Last Quarter and New Moon.
Mare Humorum has nothing to do with comedy. It is the Sea of Moisture which is worth seeking out to spot the dramatic crater Gassendi perched on its northern edge.
Look to the east of Mare Nubium, the Sea of Clouds, for a fine chain of craters stretching vertically and best seen soon after First Quarter. They are Ptolemaeus, Alphonsus, Arzachel, Purbach, Regiomontanus and Walter.
Further south in this crater-rich region you will find the magnificent Clavius, itself peppered with several other impact sites. The whole area will give telescope users hours of viewing pleasure.
Update! 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.
