Lunar Observing Assignment 2

[Kirk]

Welcome!

This is the second assignment for the beginner's SIG online completion of the Lunar Observing certificate. If you are just joining us you'll want to check out the last assignment posted earlier so you can catch up.

Sorry for the delay is posting this. I decided to sell my house so that took up a wee bit of my spare time. There will be a delay until the full moon this month so take the time to finish up last month's assignment!

This month we will be looking at Maria. Maria are the dark "seas" on the moon. They are actually old volcanic flows. There are 10 Maria we'll identify. These should be naked eye objects. If you wish you may use binoculars for these and it can be enjoyable but it is not technically necessary. It may help though as sometimes the moon looks real small up there. If you do not have a lunar map you can consult the website below for basic maria locations.

http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/pla ... e/mlm.html

Remember, the moon will be bright through binoculars if you choose to go that route. Maybe some sunglasses (moonglasses?) will help.

These could easily all be seen in one session or spread out for greater enjoyment.
The full moon is on July 21st. The full moon will be bright so if you choose to look though binoculars you may find it more enjoyable to pick these off your list as they appear with the changing phases.

Crisium
Fecunditatis
Serenitatis
Tranquillitatis
Nectaris
Imbrium
Frigoris
Nubium
Humorum
Oceanus Procellarum

When you have found all the maria congratulate yourself. Between this and the first assignment, you have already completed about 1/5th of the list!

~kirk

[mlfj4901]

Greetings,

Here's a link for the first observing assignment.

http://www.mnastro.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=932

It's never too late too start, the moon cycle repeats every 28 days.

-matt