Apollo 11 Memorial Moon Watch

by Donald McCorvey


From where I am today (southeastern Pennsylvania), I had a terrific view of the moon in my 7x35 binoculars - I lack a telescope, else I would have dragged it out and stood just looking at what was only barely visible: the shadow of the mountains surrounding the eastern edge of Mare Tranquilitatis/Mare Fecunditatis. Until tonight I had never realized that there might be a barrier wall around it. (Or maybe I'm misinterpreting the narrow black band of shadow that edged the mountains betwen the two Mare and Mare Crisium)

The craters to the south, east of the terminator were also visible in stark relief. With 7x mag I can't see a whole lot of detail, but every time I look, I see something new.

It's just as well the moon was so clear this evening - the July humidity and Philadelphia skyglow made for 2nd mag skies (maybe) - not even the Big Dipper is completely visible. I already miss the west coast! (and I've only been back for two weeks) Clear skies!