How To Observe The Moon - The Basic Concept & Methods
The Moon plays such a significant part in peoples lives that many enthusiasts really love to observe it in many ways. Since it is the Earth's largest satellite it can be observed with a variety of methods (naked eyes, binoculars, telescopes, or even software that retrieve satellite images). This article covers a few of these methods and it's purpose is to inspire all those moon observing enthusiasts to keep the faith and invite all others to join!
Many amateur observers choose the full moon phase to make observations. During this phase though, the sun's rays hit the moon's surface at such an angle that there's not much to see over there. It is recommended to observe the moon during the first quarter and last quarter phases because then, there will be much more surface detail to enjoy.
Recommended -Moon- viewing methods:
Telescope
With a telescope you have many observation options. Even if you use a small telescope for amateurs you will be able to see a lot more than is visible with naked eye or binoculars. With a medium to small telescope, good atmospheric conditions and a good knowledge of the use of the telescope you will succeed in viewing smaller and smaller details in the moon's surface. You can also use certain filters to bring out the contrast of certain surface features.
Binoculars
The Binoculars are very popular among amateurs observers. They have an advantage over the telescope due to the larger field of view. If you simply want to see a few surface details then this is the way to go. Binoculars are portable and very simple to use. Their disadvantage is that you cannot see stabilized images unless you use a tripod or buy the recently introduced high-tech binoculars with the ability to stabilize the image (can be costly, why not buy a telescope?).
Naked Eye
This is the most commonly used method to observe the moon especially if you are an emotional person, a poet, a writer etc. It can be really enjoyable to view the moon this way rather than use the instruments described above. Using nothing but your eyes (and why not your heart) you can view the Lunar Maria, the famous -Man on the moon- as well as the basaltic plains and other figures seen by many. With optimal viewing conditions you might be able to see features like the bright region around copernicus, the Plinius region, the Sinus Medii and the shaded area near Sacrobosco.
Software & Websites
This method is recommended for internet lovers. It's not as magical as the other methods but you still observe the moon and that's what matters. There are software that retrieve moon images from a satellite and show them in real time to you. Other software show you the moon phases and all kinds of details like moonrise and moonset times, moon positioning etc. You can also find websites offering the same service. You can search for -moon images in real time- for example or for -moon phase- software.
Now that you know the most common methods of observing the moon its time to let yourself go and enjoy this natural satellite and major celestial object.
How about observing the moon, the sun and the rest of the sky with this moon phase software? This software shows you the current phase of the moon, moonrise and moonset times, twilight times, future dates of the major lunar phases (e.g. next full moon), a monthly calendar with positions and daily phases, compass directions, morning and evening sun status (rise/set), real time screenshots of the moon as seen from a telescope, data, diagrams and information regarding the analysis of the horizon/sky, daily positioning of the moon and the sun in the sky and a lot more. Try this moon phase product immediately, as its price is going up as we speak! It is used by astronomers, military people, photographers, gardeners, fishermen, hunters, hikers, researchers, psychologists, astrologers, stockbrokers, Wiccan, New Age, religious groups and more!
Article Source: http://www.digitalstarproducts.com/star/-detail-73.html
By M.Markella
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