Moon observation

When the Moon itself is worth observing – with the finest crater shadows along the terminator. Works even in the city and under a bright Moon, when deep-sky doesn't.

Tip: enter a location for Moon altitude, best time and rise/set.

Moon phase
Moon
Waxing crescent
Day 4 · 17 % illuminated
Moon phase potential
Moderate – weak terminator
Potential from the phase – enter a location for altitude
47/100
On the terminator tonight · Colongitude 327°
Mare Nectaris
Small dark sea
Binoculars Telescope
Theophilus
Magnificent terraced crater
Telescope
Cyrillus & Catharina
Crater chain alongside
Telescope
Mare Serenitatis
Broad plain edge emerges
Eye Binoculars Telescope

Features along the day–night line cast the longest shadows now and look most three-dimensional.

Next 5 nights
Mi 16.09. 26 % 66 Terminator well placed
Do 17.09. 36 % 81 Terminator well placed
Fr 18.09. 46 % 89 Lunar X & V
Sa 19.09. 57 % 88 Terminator well placed
So 20.09. 67 % 77 Golden Handle
Why not at full Moon?

At full Moon the Sun shines straight onto the near side – there are hardly any shadows, everything looks flat and glary. The Moon is finest around the quarters: along the terminator, the line between day and night, the Sun stands low and casts long shadows, so craters and mountains stand out in relief.

Light pollution barely matters for the Moon – it is bright enough for the city. Steady air (seeing) matters more, because you observe at high magnification.

All times in German time (currently CEST).