Naked eye targets on the Moon

[pepitoz]

The Moon is nearing full illumination and this, at least in my opinion, is the best time to view it naked eye. Here are a few naked eye lunar targets: 

No craters can be seen naked eye, but many *mare are visible on the face of the full Moon.

To the northwest (I will use the directions as they are in the sky) is the small round Mare Crisium. It is very close to the *limb, so look carefully.

To the south of Crisium is Mare Fecunditatis - a lot easier to see. To the east of it is Mare Nectaris, which is on the border of the white Southern Highlands. This area is full of craters, but sadly none are visible to the naked eye.

North of Nectaris is Mare Tranquillitatis (south) and Mare Serenitatis. Compare their different colors.

On the northern limb is the long and narrow Mare Frigoris. It is harder to see than the descibed mare because it is not as dark or big.

East of Serenitatis is Mare Imbrium. It is interesting because of the shape of it's northern part.

South if Imbrium is the huge Ocean Procellarum - possibly the easiest to see mare.

South of the ocean are two small mare - Mare Humorum (east) and Mare Nubium. A bit of a challenge to see.

All of these targets will be visible on the 10th of August, so go check them out then!

Limb - Edge of the Moon

Mare - dark areas of the Moon, caused from floads of lava