Sunday, 23 September 2012

How to properly observe the moon

Observing the moon is a fascinating form of space travel, which the observer can carry out without leaving home !!

Average distance between the Earth and the moon: 384,000 Kilometers

What can you see on the moon ?

1- Lunar seas and inland areas, large craters: 8X Magnification [BINOCULARS]

2- Small craters, faults, fractures: 100X Magnification [AMATEUR TELESCOPE]

3- Relatively small surface features: 400-600X Magnification [PROFESSIONAL TELESCOPE]

The following can interfere with observations:

Thick clouds

Precipitation, especially dew

Heat waves in the air [from boilers, heaters, etc..]

Vibration [e.g. from trains passing nearby]

It is helpful to have a map of the moon on hand in order to identify surface elements

In some cases, amateur observers can be of value to scientists: for example, by recording video of meteorites striking the moon.

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