S&T Field Map of the Moon vs. 21st C Atlas of the Moon

[cloudsweeper]

Sky and Telescope's Mirror Image Field Map; Wood and Collins' 21st Century Atlas.

Atlas - about A4 format, spiral bound; Field Map - "LP" size, and folds out to four times that area.

Each has an index. 

The Atlas (images 2 and 3) contains beautiful, clear, detailed images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.  The level of fine detail can be seen by comparison with the Map (image 4).  The same named features appear to be present in both publications, but the Atlas images are larger (which accommodates the extra detail).  The Atlas also gives additional description of features.

When viewing the Moon, the Map is very easy to refer to, and has the considerable advantage of being mirror reversed, so you see exactly what is the EP with an SCT or frac.

But for closer study, the Atlas is invaluable, and includes introductory points about lunar features, as well as specialised charts of the limb, full Moon views, basins, and ridges, and even the far side.

The Field Map is an excellent aid, but the Atlas complements it, and is also a pleasure to study away from the 'scope.

Doug.

 

 

 

[Littleguy80]

I've got the Atlas for Christmas and really like it! I do a lot of turning it upside down whilst using it at the scope  Great write up, Doug  

[cloudsweeper]

18 minutes ago, Littleguy80 said:

I've got the Atlas for Christmas and really like it! I do a lot of turning it upside down whilst using it at the scope  Great write up, Doug  

Forgot to say Neil - it's your account of Christmas gifts that inspired me to buy the Atlas, so thanks for that!  (Just when I'd hoped to conserve cash - should've known better!)

Doug.

[Littleguy80]

18 minutes ago, cloudsweeper said:

Forgot to say Neil - it's your account of Christmas gifts that inspired me to buy the Atlas, so thanks for that!  (Just when I'd hoped to conserve cash - should've known better!)

Doug.

Haha you’re welcome and sorry! I’m glad you like the Atlas. I’m sure you’ll more than get your moneys worth out of it with many happy hours studying the moon  

[Knighty2112]

Hi Doug. Snap! I’ve got those exact same items too! Great resources for observing the moon!  

[Alan White]

I too received the Atlas only yesterday, its a very fine document indeed.
The map is on my to buy list as I have the single A3 version already, is the bigger one more detailed?

[scarp15]

Very interesting review thanks Doug. The Atlas I aim to get a copy of, reading up on Neil and others accounts. My current moon map is a good reference, but I like the reverse image field of the Sky & Telescope version, so good heads up, encouragement to get more involved in Lunar observing. 

[Alan White]

Doug, is the bottom of you images from the map?

Does anyone know which orientation map do I need to view with my Newtonian?

It certainly is not the mirror image one I use with my refractor and diagonal.

 

[Moonshane]

Newts are basically upside down so if using a star or moon map that is as you'd see it naked eye, just turn the map upside down for the correct eyepiece view (give or take).

[cloudsweeper]

41 minutes ago, Alan White said:

Doug, is the bottom of you images from the map?

Does anyone know which orientation map do I need to view with my Newtonian?

It certainly is not the mirror image one I use with my refractor and diagonal.

 

Alan, yes - that's from the Map.  As Shane and Neil say, if you use a Newt, then turn the Atlas upside down.  

I haven't looked into it, but I wonder if there is a non-mirror inverted Moon Map.  If so, that could also just be turned upside down when using a Newt.  The Map is really easy to use to quickly find your way round the Moon.

Doug.

[Alan White]

Thanks chaps, thought that would be the case, but not having one to turn upside down I could not prove it was a correct assumption.