SUNSET: 
Shadows on the Moon Make a Point
Fooled by shadow play into thinking lunar mountains were pointy pinnacles? Learn why we often see them that way.
The Lunar 100
As the moon wanes in the gibbous phase in the nights to come, see if you can find and observe some of 100 of Charles Wood's classic lunar hit list, including craters, basins, mountains, rilles, and domes.
Where Does the Phrase "Once in a Blue Moon" Come From?
We'll see a "blue Moon" next Friday, but what does that mean? From the Middle Ages to the game of Trivial Pursuit, a folklorist explores the origin of the phrase.
Glimpse the Moon's Far Side
You can see 9% more Moon than just what's on the near side — thanks to lunar libration.
Tycho: The Metropolitan Crater of the Moon
Tycho is the most conspicuous crater visible near full Moon, shining brilliantly and radiating great long rays. But the rays from Tycho that partially encircle the full Moon are not distributed equally in all directions.
The Mysteries of Plato
The crater Plato is one of the superstars for observers of the Moon. It's big, conspicuous with its dark floor ringed by a bright rim, and long a subject of speculation, and controversy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Astronomy and Stargazing Projects
Seeking Thin Crescent Moons
Here are some tips for hunting one of nature's most captivating sights.
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.
Australe: A Mare on the Edge
This mare is a challenging sight; view it July 16th to 19th and August 12th to 15th.
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.
