Moon classroom
Find lunar maria and craters
Distinguish dark plains from impact craters and observe near the terminator.
Lunar seas are not oceans
Dark areas called maria are basalt plains formed by ancient lava. They are not water-filled oceans. Start with the bright and dark patterns before inspecting their boundaries.
Look for shadows near quarter phases
Most craters formed through impacts. Long shadows near the terminator reveal terrain around quarter phases. A full Moon shows broad patterns but often less relief.
Compare patterns before naming features
Optics may invert or mirror the image. Compare the relative positions of patterns and note your equipment and observation time.
Reviewed: 2026-10-13 · Moon Where operator