50 results
The craters Messier and Messier A

Celestial Objects to Observe

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.

Mare Nectaris

Celestial Objects to Observe

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.

Moon phases in perspective

Celestial Objects to Observe

A Month of Moonwatching

Whatever its phase, the magnificent Moon has lots to offer.

The Straight Wall at last quarter

Celestial Objects to Observe

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.

Rising full Moon

Moon

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.

Full Moon

Celestial Objects to Observe

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.

Crescent Moon and Venus at sunset

Moon

Seeking Thin Crescent Moons

Here are some tips for hunting one of nature's most captivating sights.

A bullseye basin, volcanic domes and lava-flooded crater highlight Friday morning's crescent Moon

Moon

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.

Mare Australis

Celestial Objects to Observe

Australe: A Mare on the Edge

This mare is a challenging sight; view it July 16th to 19th and August 12th to 15th.

Crescent Moon from video image

Celestial Objects to Observe

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.

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