There is a vast amount of surface detail on view and the problem is knowing where to start. The names of many features are quite baffling as they are Latin in origin, reflecting fanciful ideas of a fantasy world of seas and mountains. There are Mare, (Latin for sea), that are the darker areas which astronomers in earlier times thought were actually seas of water, Lacus, (Latin for lakes) smaller darker areas and Montes, (Latin for mountains), which are easily visible. The Moon has a host of craters, some which have large bright Rays extending from them, which are easy to see when the Moon is close to Full. These Ray craters such as Copernicus and Kepler were formed many millions of years ago by impacts on the Lunar surface. To find your way around the Moon a relatively modest priced Moon Map is essential, Philip’s produce one, it is relatively cheap and quite easy to use but remember some Moon maps are printed North Up and telescopes often provide views South Up, so this can make finding your way a little confusing, but turning the Map upside down rectifies this. If you want to make a start on viewing the Moon and identifying more easily seen features, I can supply a simple colour keyed version to print with handy tick boxes to note your progress. Although many things in the night sky are quite dim, when viewing the Moon using a telescope, you may be dazzled by its brilliance and require sunglasses or a Moon filter to reduce its glare, particularly when it is Gibbous or Full. A Moon filter is often deep green in colour, but some may be grey or brown. The Moon is not the only cause of dazzle at night, there is much glare seen from poorly directed night-time lights. Many people do not realise how much energy is wasted and the amount of unnecessary carbon which is being produced. It is incredible how many people do not understand or do not wish to understand the impact of their behaviour, its impact on the natural world and on other people’s well-being. Poorly directed and over-bright lights are not helping security as they dazzle and cause deep shadows where intruders may lurk. Aiming too high also causes an impact on the night sky, please aim the light so it does not impact on other people’s homes and property, be respectful to others in these difficult times.

The Bassetlaw Astronomical Society still conducts virtual meetings using ZOOM and please contact james.ince1@tiscali.co.uk for more details. We are aiming to support others during these difficult times and encourage Schools, Scouts, Guides or others to contact us if we can aid them with education or resources. I am certain that if everyone just helps others just a little more, we can progress more cheerfully through this pandemic. Take care and take a look at the night sky, it has much to wonder about.