: By Dave HuestisEven the most casual sky observer will notice the changing phases of the Moon. However, the reason for the Moon’s phases during a 29-day period seems to be almost all but forgotten.
: By Dave HuestisThe Moon is an easy target for event the cheapest of small telescopes. Even binoculars can show a casual stargazer the more prominent features that populate the lunar landscape.
: By Glenn ChapleSome of the more intriguing lunar sights are transient features - short-lived phantoms formed by shadows cast by crater rims or by high-altitude areas capturing the glint of the rising sun. Many of these occur near the lunar terminator. One of the most remarkable is the “Lunar X” which appears around the time of first quarter moon.
The Moon is the brightest and most fascinating object in the night sky. With constantly changing solar illumination and more than 11,000 craters visible in a small telescope, the Moon offers endless diversion for all who look. And yet, many professional and amateur astronomers regard the Moon only as an unshielded light that washes out the faint diffuse glow from nebulae and galaxies.