Information collected by recent space probes sent to explore the Moon by the USA, the European Space Agency, Japan, China and India has changed our knowledge and understanding of the Moon, particularly its geology, since the Apollo missions. This book presents those findings in a way that will be welcomed by amateur astronomers, students, educators and anyone interested in the Moon. Enhanced by many colour photos, it combines newly acquired scientific understanding with detailed descriptions and labelled photographic maps of the lunar surface. Guided by observation methods explained in the book and 17 Study Areas presented and carefully explained in the last chapter, amateur astronomers can observe these features from Earth using telescopes and binoculars. Readers who consult the photographic maps will gain a better understanding about the Moon's topography and geology. The book is rounded out by a helpful glossary.

Explains the latest understanding of lunar features and geology, based on the most recent space missions and analysis Highlights 'what's new' in our knowledge at the start of each chapter Offers detailed techniques and tips on how to observe interesting features of the Moon, with telescopes and binoculars Organized into 17 study areas, with a photographic maps and rich descriptions of all the features in each area

Autorentext

John Wilkinson is a science educator with over 30 years experience in teaching science, physics and chemistry in secondary colleges and universities in Australia. He is author of over 100 science textbooks. He completed his Masters degree and PhD in science education at La Trobe University, Australia. Throughout his life he has been a keen amateur astronomer and operates his own observatory from his backyard.

Inhalt
Introducing the Moon.- Probing the Moon.- Geological history of the Moon.- Occultations and eclipses.- Observing the Moon.- Studying the Moon: Study Area 1 Mare Crisium.- Study Area 2 South east limb.- Study Area 3 North east limb.- Study Area 4 Mare Tranquillitatis.- Study Area 5 Mare Serenitatis.- Study Area 6 Mare Nectaris west.- Study Area 7 Mare Vaporum.- Study Area 8 Central Highlands.- Study Area 9 Mare Nubium.- Study Area 10 Northern Plains.- Study Area 11 Southern Highlands.- Study Area 12 Mare Cognitum.- Study Area 13 Sinus Iridum.- Study Area 14 Mare Insularum.- Study Area 15 Mare Humorum.- Study Area 16 Oceanus Procellarum.- Study Area 17 Western limb.- Glossary.