Moon watching
What we can see on the Moon
Mean distance between the Earth
and the Moon
The Moon’s elevation angle above the horizon is important for observations. Scientific observations are conducted at elevation angles of 30o and higher
City lights don’t hamper lunar observations. You can watch the Moon from your balcony or an open window
Will hamper observations
-
Convection flows (from boiler
rooms, heating mains, etc.)
Convection flows (from boiler
rooms, heating mains, etc.) -
Thick cloud cover
Thick cloud cover -
Vibrations (including those near railways)
Vibrations (including those near railways) -
Precipitation, including dew
Precipitation, including dew
INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE MOON
Interesting lunar objects and lunar
cycle days for optimal observation
LUNAR CYCLE PHASES
Only one side of the Moon
always faces the Earth
Lunar cycle day
A full Moon is not the best observation phase, due to minimal contrast between lunar-surface details, making their observation almost impossible
You should watch the Moon
along the terminator* line,
where the contrast of lunar-
surface details is at its maximum
and intricate shadow patterns
open up unique moonscapes
*The terminator line divides illuminated
and dark lunar-surface segments
for identifying elements on its surface