Waxing Gibbous MoonObserving Earth’s Moon from Stephens Memorial Observatory can be challeng-ing due to limitations of the site (neigh-boring trees). In the early evening and nighttime we can usually reliably see the Moon only around its First Quarter to Full phases. The image at left was taken two days after First Quarter in what is known as the Waxing Gibbous phase with the Moon heading towards Full. We have labeled some of the most distinc-tive features here for your reference.

Lunar Seas:

Mare ImbriumMare SerenitatisMare NubiumMare TranquillitatisMare CrisiumMare FecunditatisMare Nectaris

Craters:

PlatoEudoxusArchimedesEratosthenesCopernicusBullialdusWilhelmTycoLongomontanusClavius

Other:

Montes Alpes (mountains)Montes ApenninusApollo 11 Landing Site

Photo Date: September 17, 2010

Mare Imbrium

Mare Nubium

Mare Nectaris

Mare Fecunditatis

Mare Crisium

Mare Tranquillitatis

Mare Serenitatis

<— Plato

<— Montes Alpes

Copernicus —>Mon

tes Ape

nninu

s

Eratosthenes —>

Archimedes —>

Bullialdus —>

Wilhelm —>

Longomontanus —>

<— Clavius

<— Tyco

•Apollo 11

Lunar Photo by James Guilford

The division between night and day is called the terminator. On the face of the waxing Moon, it marks local dawn. —>

<— Eudoxus