Moon Viewing Guide

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MMoooonn MMaapp What lunar features can you find? Use this Moon Map & Viewing Guide to explore different areas of the Moon - no binoculars needed! MMoooonn VViieewwiinngg GGuuiiddee A quick look at the Moon in the night sky – even without binoculars - shows light areas and dark areas that reveal lunar history. Can you find these features? Use the Moon Map (above) to help. Sea of Tranquility (Mare Tanquilitatus) – Formed when a giant t! nd I asteroid hit the Moon almost 4 billion years ago, this 500-mile wide Fou dark, smooth, circular basin is the site of the Apollo 11 landing in 1969. Sea of Rains (Mare Imbrium) – Imbrium Basin is the largest t! nd I basin on the Moon that was formed by a giant asteroid almost 4 Fou billion years ago. Sea of Serenity (Mare Serenitatis) – Apollo 17 astronauts t! sampled some of the oldest rocks on the Moon from edges of nd I Fou the Sea of Serenity. These ancient rocks formed in the Moon’s magma ocean. Lunar Highlands – The lighter areas on the Moon are the lunar t! highlands. These are the oldest regions on the Moon; they formed nd I Fou from the magma ocean. Because they are so old, they have been hit by impact craters many times, making the highlands very rough. Want an extra challenge? If you have a telescope or pair of binoculars, try finding these features: Appenine Mountains (Montes Apenninus) – Did you know there are mountain ranges on the Moon? The rims of the craters and t! nd I basins rise high above the Moon’s surface. Apollo 15 astronauts Fou worked in the shadow of Mons (Mount) Hadley, one of the peaks of the Montes Apenninus. Mons Hadley is over 2 and a half miles high! Copernicus Crater – A small, bright circle south of Imbrium t! nd I Basin, with rays spreading up to 500 miles in all directions, marks Fou Copernicus Crater. Tycho Crater - A bright star of material stands out on the light colored t! nd I lunar highlands of the Moon’s southern half. This is Tycho Crater, a 50 Fou mile wide crater with ejecta rays stretching over 1200 miles..

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January 2019 Cardanus & Krafft
A PUBLICATION OF THE LUNAR SECTION OF THE A.L.P.O. EDITED BY: Wayne Bailey [email protected] 17 Autumn Lane, Sewell, NJ 08080 RECENT BACK ISSUES: http://moon.scopesandscapes.com/tlo_back.html FEATURE OF THE MONTH – JANUARY 2019 CARDANUS & KRAFFT Sketch and text by Robert H. Hays, Jr. - Worth, Illinois, USA September 24, 2018 04:40-05:04 UT, 15 cm refl, 170x, seeing 7/10, transparence 6/6. I drew these craters and vicinity on the night of Sept. 23/24, 2018. The moon was about 22 hours before full. This area is in far western Oceanus Procellarum, and was favorably placed for observation that night. Cardanus is the southern one of this pair and is of moderate depth. Krafft to the north is practically identical in size, and is perhaps slightly deeper. Neither crater has a central peak. Several small craters are near and within Krafft. The crater just outside the southeast rim of Krafft is Krafft E, and Krafft C is nearby within Krafft. The small pit to the west is Krafft K, and Krafft D is between Krafft and Cardanus. Krafft C, D and E are similar sized, but K is smaller than these. A triangular-shaped swelling protrudes from the north side of Krafft. The tiny pit, even smaller than Krafft K, east of Cardanus is Cardanus E. There is a dusky area along the southwest side of Cardanus. Two short dark strips in this area may be part of the broken ring Cardanus R as shown on the. Lunar Quadrant map.
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Planetary Surfaces
Chapter 4 PLANETARY SURFACES 4.1 The Absence of Bedrock A striking and obvious observation is that at full Moon, the lunar surface is bright from limb to limb, with only limited darkening toward the edges. Since this effect is not consistent with the intensity of light reflected from a smooth sphere, pre-Apollo observers concluded that the upper surface was porous on a centimeter scale and had the properties of dust. The thickness of the dust layer was a critical question for landing on the surface. The general view was that a layer a few meters thick of rubble and dust from the meteorite bombardment covered the surface. Alternative views called for kilometer thicknesses of fine dust, filling the maria. The unmanned missions, notably Surveyor, resolved questions about the nature and bearing strength of the surface. However, a somewhat surprising feature of the lunar surface was the completeness of the mantle or blanket of debris. Bedrock exposures are extremely rare, the occurrence in the wall of Hadley Rille (Fig. 6.6) being the only one which was observed closely during the Apollo missions. Fragments of rock excavated during meteorite impact are, of course, common, and provided both samples and evidence of co,mpetent rock layers at shallow levels in the mare basins. Freshly exposed surface material (e.g., bright rays from craters such as Tycho) darken with time due mainly to the production of glass during micro- meteorite impacts. Since some magnetic anomalies correlate with unusually bright regions, the solar wind bombardment (which is strongly deflected by the magnetic anomalies) may also be responsible for darkening the surface [I].
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Astronomy Observation Journal by Target
Astronomy Observation Journal by Target Piero Dalle Pezze May 21, 2017 Abstract This document contains my observation reports by target. This file was generated using Java soft- ware tool AstroJournal (http://pdp10.github.io/AstroJournal/) and pdflatex (http://www.tug.org/texlive/). AstroJournal imports files containing astronomy observation reports. Once imported, it generates a comprehensive LATEX document which is then exported to PDF using the utility pdflatex. Astro- Journal is released under GPL v3 license. Contents 1 Legends 1 2 Basic Statistics 3 3 Solar System 4 3.1 Sun, Star.............................................4 3.2 Moon, Satellite.......................................... 10 3.3 Mercury, Planet.......................................... 16 3.4 Venus, Planet........................................... 16 3.5 Mars, Planet........................................... 17 3.6 Ceres, Asteroid.......................................... 18 3.7 Jupiter, Planet.......................................... 19 3.8 Saturn, Planet.......................................... 24 3.9 Uranus, Planet.......................................... 26 3.10 Neptune, Planet......................................... 27 3.11 Mercury Transit, Planet..................................... 27 3.12 Venus - Jupiter, Planet...................................... 28 4 Milky Way 29 4.1 Milky Way, Galaxy........................................ 29 5 Messier Catalogue 30 5.1 M1, Tau, SN Rem........................................ 30 5.2 M2, Aqr, Glob CL.......................................
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TRANSIENT LUNAR PHENOMENA: REGULARITY and REALITY Arlin P
The Astrophysical Journal, 697:1–15, 2009 May 20 doi:10.1088/0004-637X/697/1/1 C 2009. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. TRANSIENT LUNAR PHENOMENA: REGULARITY AND REALITY Arlin P. S. Crotts Department of Astronomy, Columbia University, Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory, 550 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA Received 2007 June 27; accepted 2009 February 20; published 2009 April 30 ABSTRACT Transient lunar phenomena (TLPs) have been reported for centuries, but their nature is largely unsettled, and even their existence as a coherent phenomenon is controversial. Nonetheless, TLP data show regularities in the observations; a key question is whether this structure is imposed by processes tied to the lunar surface, or by terrestrial atmospheric or human observer effects. I interrogate an extensive catalog of TLPs to gauge how human factors determine the distribution of TLP reports. The sample is grouped according to variables which should produce differing results if determining factors involve humans, and not reﬂecting phenomena tied to the lunar surface. Features dependent on human factors can then be excluded. Regardless of how the sample is split, the results are similar: ∼50% of reports originate from near Aristarchus, ∼16% from Plato, ∼6% from recent, major impacts (Copernicus, Kepler, Tycho, and Aristarchus), plus several at Grimaldi. Mare Crisium produces a robust signal in some cases (however, Crisium is too large for a “feature” as deﬁned). TLP count consistency for these features indicates that ∼80% of these may be real. Some commonly reported sites disappear from the robust averages, including Alphonsus, Ross D, and Gassendi.
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Radar Remote Sensing of Pyroclastic Deposits in the Southern Mare Serenitatis and Mare Vaporum Regions of the Moon Lynn M
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 114, E11004, doi:10.1029/2009JE003406, 2009 Click Here for Full Article Radar remote sensing of pyroclastic deposits in the southern Mare Serenitatis and Mare Vaporum regions of the Moon Lynn M. Carter,1 Bruce A. Campbell,1 B. Ray Hawke,2 Donald B. Campbell,3 and Michael C. Nolan4 Received 21 April 2009; revised 12 July 2009; accepted 3 August 2009; published 5 November 2009. [1] We use polarimetric radar observations to study the distribution, depth, and embedded rock abundance of nearside lunar pyroclastic deposits. Radar images were obtained for Mare Vaporum and the southern half of Mare Serenitatis; the imaged areas contain the large Rima Bode, Mare Vaporum, Sulpicius Gallus, and Taurus-Littrow pyroclastic deposits. Potential pyroclastic deposits at Rima Hyginus crater, the Tacquet Formation, and a dome in Mare Vaporum are also included. Data were acquired at S band (12.6 cm wavelength) using Arecibo Observatory and the Green Bank Telescope in a bistatic configuration. The S band images have resolutions between 20 and 100 m/pixel. The pyroclastic deposits appear dark to the radar and have low circular polarization ratios at S band wavelengths because they are smooth, easily penetrable by radar waves, and generally contain few embedded blocks. Changes in circular polarization ratio (CPR) across some of the pyroclastic deposits show areas with increased rock abundance as well as deposits that are shallower. Radar backscatter and CPR maps are used to identify fine-grained mantling deposits in cases where optical and near-infrared data are ambiguous about the presence of pyroclastics.
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By DWG Arthur, Alice P. Agnieray, Ruth H. Pellicori, CA Wood, and T
No. 50 THE SYSTEM OF LUNAR CRATERS, QUADRANT III by D. W. G. Arthur, Alice P. Agnieray, Ruth H. Pellicori, C. A. Wood, and T. Weller February 25, 1965 ABSTRACT The designation, diameter, position, central peak information, and state of completeness are listed for each discernible crater with a diameter exceeding 3.5 km in the third lunar quadrant. The catalog contains about 5200 items and is illustrated by a map in 11 sections. on the averted lunar hemisphere, and therefore, these Thistem Communication of Lunar Craters, is the which third is part a catalog of The in Sys four are not listed in the catalog. parts of all craters recognizable with reasonable The approximate positions and diameters for certainty on photographs and having a diameter these craters are: greater than 3.5 km. It is thus a continuation of the work in Comm. LPL Nos. 30 and 40, and the same Long. Lat. Diam, (.00Ir) Hausen -91?5 - 6 5 ? 6 9 9 . 5 conventions and format are used. Boltzmann -96?0 - 7 5 ? 5 3 9 . 1 As in the earlier parts, it was found necessary S t e f a n - 9 4 ? 0 - 7 2 ? 0 7 8 . 0 to add names for large craters in the extreme limb regions. The new crater names for Quadrant III are: The above are mere additions to the Blagg and Miiller scheme. A more notable innovation, which Baade German-American astronomer has already been authorized by the International Boltzmann Austrian physicist Astronomical Union at its 1964 general meeting at Drygalski German geographer Hamburg, is the addition of the name Mare Cogni- Hartwig German selenodetist tum (the known sea) for the dark area between Krasnov Russian selenodetic observer Riphaeus and the crater Guerike.
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10Great Features for Moon Watchers
Sinus Aestuum is a lava pond hemming the Imbrium debris. Mare Orientale is another of the Moon’s large impact basins, Beginning observing On its eastern edge, dark volcanic material erupted explosively and possibly the youngest. Lunar scientists think it formed 170 along a rille. Although this region at first appears featureless, million years after Mare Imbrium. And although “Mare Orien- observe it at several different lunar phases and you’ll see the tale” translates to “Eastern Sea,” in 1961, the International dark area grow more apparent as the Sun climbs higher. Astronomical Union changed the way astronomers denote great features for Occupying a region below and a bit left of the Moon’s dead lunar directions. The result is that Mare Orientale now sits on center, Mare Nubium lies far from many lunar showpiece sites. the Moon’s western limb. From Earth we never see most of it. Look for it as the dark region above magnificent Tycho Crater. When you observe the Cauchy Domes, you’ll be looking at Yet this small region, where lava plains meet highlands, con- shield volcanoes that erupted from lunar vents. The lava cooled Moon watchers tains a variety of interesting geologic features — impact craters, slowly, so it had a chance to spread and form gentle slopes. 10Our natural satellite offers plenty of targets you can spot through any size telescope. lava-flooded plains, tectonic faulting, and debris from distant In a geologic sense, our Moon is now quiet. The only events by Michael E. Bakich impacts — that are great for telescopic exploring.
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Relative Ages
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Geological Evolution of the Largest Shield Volcano Bearing Mare of The
52nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2021 (LPI Contrib. No. 2548) 1827.pdf GEOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF THE LARGEST SHIELD VOLCANO BEARING MARE OF THE MOON, MARE TRANQUILLITATIS: BASED ON DETAILED MORPHOLOGICAL, MINERALOGICAL, TOPOGRAPHIC STUDIES USING MULTIPLE DATA SETS. Henal Bhatt1, P. Chauhan2, Paras Solanki1, 1M. G. Science Institute, Ahmedabad 380009, India, 2Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, (ISRO), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. ([email protected] ) Introduction: In this work, we have analysed the Results and Discussions: Mare Tranquillitatis is irregular shaped Mare Tranquillitatis based on its delineated in to 22 spectral units based on IBD parameter morphology, mineralogy and topography to understand its analysis (Fig. 1). The band parameters analysis was geological evolution in the Lunar formation history. This conducted as per [8], [9], [10] suggest the abundance of area is very unique as it resides the largest shield volcano mafic silicate mixture, particular, mixture of olivine and of the Moon, compared to all the other circular mare basins medium to high calcium pyroxene bearing basaltic material at the near side of the Moon. It is located towards eastern in the area (Fig. 1). Details of this analysis is reported in the near side at 7°N, 30°E and is a Pre-Nectarian age basin [1]. [11]. Graphical trends suggests that basalts of eastern shield It is well known for Apollo 11 landing site and it shows mare would have been comparatively more pyroxene characteristic two basin ring structure [2], with diameter of bearing compared to the basalts from western deepest part, 800 km from east to west. which would have been more olivine bearing compared to the eastern shield mare basalt (Fig.
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Lunar Exploration Efforts
Module 3 – Nautical Science Unit 4 – Astronomy Chapter 13 - The Moon Section 1 – The Moon What You Will Learn to Do Demonstrate understanding of astronomy and how it pertains to our solar system and its related bodies: Moon, Sun, stars and planets Objectives 1. Recognize basic facts about the Moon such as size, distance from Earth and atmosphere 2. Describe the geographical structure of the Moon 3. Describe the surface features of the Moon 4. Explain those theories that describe Moon craters and their formations Objectives 5. Describe the mountain ranges and riles on the surface of the Moon 6. Explain the effect moonquakes have on the Moon 7. Describe how the Moon’s motion causes its phases 8. Explain the basic reasons for Moon exploration Key Terms CPS Key Term Questions 1 - 12 Key Terms Maria - Mare or Maria (plural); Any of the several dark plains on the Moon and Mars; Latin word for “Sea” Reflectance - The ratio of the intensity of reflected radiation to that of the radiation that initially hits the surface. Key Terms Impact Crater - The cup shaped depression or cavity on the surface of the Earth or other heavenly bodies. Breccia - Rock composed of angular fragments of older rocks melded together as a result of a meteor impact. Regolith - The layer of disintegrated rock fragments (dust), just above the solid rock of the Moon’s crust. Key Terms Rilles - Cracks in the lunar surface similar to shallow, meandering river beds on the Earth. Phases The Moon’s motion in its orbit (of the Moon) - causes its phases (progressive changes in the visible portion of the Moon).
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Blasts from the Past Historic Supernovas
BLASTS from the PAST: Historic Supernovas 185 386 393 1006 1054 1181 1572 1604 1680 RCW 86 G11.2-0.3 G347.3-0.5 SN 1006 Crab Nebula 3C58 Tycho’s SNR Kepler’s SNR Cassiopeia A Historical Observers: Chinese Historical Observers: Chinese Historical Observers: Chinese Historical Observers: Chinese, Japanese, Historical Observers: Chinese, Japanese, Historical Observers: Chinese, Japanese Historical Observers: European, Chinese, Korean Historical Observers: European, Chinese, Korean Historical Observers: European? Arabic, European Arabic, Native American? Likelihood of Identification: Possible Likelihood of Identification: Probable Likelihood of Identification: Possible Likelihood of Identification: Possible Likelihood of Identification: Definite Likelihood of Identification: Definite Likelihood of Identification: Possible Likelihood of Identification: Definite Likelihood of Identification: Definite Distance Estimate: 8,200 light years Distance Estimate: 16,000 light years Distance Estimate: 3,000 light years Distance Estimate: 10,000 light years Distance Estimate: 7,500 light years Distance Estimate: 13,000 light years Distance Estimate: 10,000 light years Distance Estimate: 7,000 light years Distance Estimate: 6,000 light years Type: Core collapse of massive star Type: Core collapse of massive star Type: Core collapse of massive star? Type: Core collapse of massive star Type: Thermonuclear explosion of white dwarf Type: Thermonuclear explosion of white dwarf? Type: Core collapse of massive star Type: Thermonuclear explosion of white dwarf Type: Core collapse of massive star NASA’s ChANdrA X-rAy ObServAtOry historic supernovas chandra x-ray observatory Every 50 years or so, a star in our Since supernovas are relatively rare events in the Milky historic supernovas that occurred in our galaxy. Eight of the trine of the incorruptibility of the stars, and set the stage for observed around 1671 AD.
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Glossary of Lunar Terminology
Glossary of Lunar Terminology albedo A measure of the reflectivity of the Moon's gabbro A coarse crystalline rock, often found in the visible surface. The Moon's albedo averages 0.07, which lunar highlands, containing plagioclase and pyroxene. means that its surface reflects, on average, 7% of the Anorthositic gabbros contain 65-78% calcium feldspar. light falling on it. gardening The process by which the Moon's surface is anorthosite A coarse-grained rock, largely composed of mixed with deeper layers, mainly as a result of meteor calcium feldspar, common on the Moon. itic bombardment. basalt A type of fine-grained volcanic rock containing ghost crater (ruined crater) The faint outline that remains the minerals pyroxene and plagioclase (calcium of a lunar crater that has been largely erased by some feldspar). Mare basalts are rich in iron and titanium, later action, usually lava flooding. while highland basalts are high in aluminum. glacis A gently sloping bank; an old term for the outer breccia A rock composed of a matrix oflarger, angular slope of a crater's walls. stony fragments and a finer, binding component. graben A sunken area between faults. caldera A type of volcanic crater formed primarily by a highlands The Moon's lighter-colored regions, which sinking of its floor rather than by the ejection of lava. are higher than their surroundings and thus not central peak A mountainous landform at or near the covered by dark lavas. Most highland features are the center of certain lunar craters, possibly formed by an rims or central peaks of impact sites.
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