paulastro

Thanks Stu. Ill get up and take a look if the weather is kind. I'll check first though, just to make sure it is far enough up above the horizon to see from up north .

Good idea, will do. Thank you Stu, I'm fine now.

I' m pleased this generated some interest - and observing! Alas, I wasn't very well yesterd evening so couldnt observe. Still, great to read about other folk's adventures. The good thing is, there's another opportunity post-midnight on March 29th/30th . I'll post a reminder nearer the time.

Thanks Mark and Laurie, its certainly close to where it should be, and looks like it. Its very interesting if Willkins observed and recorded it on his map. I've looked in several photographic resources and not seen it represented. However this isnt too surprising perhaps. Lunar observers know very well that effects of the changing sun angle on the Moon can cause features to change their appearance very rapidly. In this respects visual observers have an advantage over imagers. The latter may take a pic in a fraction of a second, and may not look at the feature long enough to observe

Mark, I've had a careful look, and I cant see the x you are talking about. There is so much detail, it's rather confusing. I'm presuming the map is orientated inverted? I didnt see Dorsa Harker on the map, but then it may not have been included. I have seen some information on the feature in Lunar Cognitta but I cant remember where. I think if the lighting is correct, it wont be too difficult to see. Nigel was only using a 76mm refractor, though he does have an excellent eye and is a top notch observer.

Here's a challenge from Nigel Longshaw in Feb's AN. Id noted it in my diary as something to look for if it was clear tonight - and it looks like it might be. I didnt know about it before I read Nigel's article. Hopefully others may find it of interest too.

Many thanks Mark. I havea feeling I've tried Moon Atlas 3D and took it off for some reason I'll check it out again. Thanks again, Paul

Thanks John. It looks like I'm heading for my 4th clear night in a row - almost unheard of up here .

Many thanks Mark. Which app have you downloaded? I use virtual moon Atlas on my laptop, havent found any app which is as good for showing the correct terminator including liberation. Did come across something once but it was only for i - phones.

I also went out last night, and as you say John, now the sun has fully risen over the area, it looks very different. Lacus Autumni and Lacus Veris appearing as long grey features. I took another photo at 22.28pm, and had to darken the photo as it was difficult to see them with the rather overwhelming light on the limb. The seeing was poor which also didnt help - I cant make out Kopff in the photo - unless it's the elongated highlite on the limb? It was good to have three night viewing on the bounce, and nice to see it go from pre - full to full to post - full Moon with the sun set

I'm really pleased you found the post useful in identifying the features of Mare Orientale Philip. If you save the picture from the atlas, you'll be able to use it again when its favourably placed in the future .

Thanks John, hoping to go out lmyself later when the Moon is higher, if it's still clear.

Mike, I've just checked and it should be visible tonight again, subject to clear skies. I'll expect a full report .

Many thanks Mike, you are kind - the cheque is in the post . I wish I'd rung you now. I thought about it, but it was rather late and I didnt want to disturb Mrs Hezzlewood. Sorry .

I was out observing from 8.30pm to 9.50pm and again from 11.45pm to 00.30am. I had a break to wait for a little more of M Orientale to become illuminated. Many people have problems observing M Orientale because it is difficult to know what you are looking at, unless you are very familiar with the area. Of course, it also requires a large and exceptional libration to the S/SW. The best chart I have seen is section 68 of the Cambridge Photographic Moon Atlas, published in 2012. Alas this was a short print run and it is very hard to find. If you have one, hang on to it, you want bel