
Messier on the Moon
Oblique impact resolves the mystery of one of the most bizarre crater pairs on the Moon: Messier and Messier A. Previous explanations for this crater pair ranged from imaginative to fantastical. All were wrong.

Rings and Things
Mare Nectaris is the smallest of the circular maria on the Moon; lavas extend only 350 kilometers from shore to shore. But the Nectaris basin is beautifully defined by the spectacular Altai Scarp, which forms the southwestern rim of the basin.

A Month of Moonwatching
Whatever its phase, the magnificent Moon has lots to offer.

Ancient Thebit and Huygens's Sword
The absolute best example of a lunar fault is the Straight Wall. This well-known lunar feature is a long thin line that never fails to impress; even through a small telescope it's a fascinating sight.

What Is A Blue Moon in Astronomy?
Is Friday's full Moon "blue"? Depends on who you ask, but if someone answers yes, it's because of a mistake in a 1946 issue of Sky & Telescope.

Observing the Full Moon
The full Moon is very bright, but there are still many fascinating features to observe during this or any phase when you look far from the terminator.

Seeking Thin Crescent Moons
Here are some tips for hunting one of nature's most captivating sights.

A Rare Glimpse of Mare Orientale
On five consecutive mornings beginning January 29th, early morning risers have an opportunity to glimpse the Moon’s most spectacular "hidden" landform.

Australe: A Mare on the Edge
This mare is a challenging sight; view it July 16th to 19th and August 12th to 15th.

Close-Up of an Alien World
The lunar surface consists of more than just craters and mare. Here's a guide to some of the other lunar features.