Diagram of Earth's Moon with colored dots and text labels indicating lunar features such as craters and landing sites.

Northern Hemisphere | Southern Hemisphere

2023 Selected Highlights

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Lunar Maria (Seas)
You can see a number of maria on International Observe the Moon Night. Once thought to be seas of water, these are actually large, flat plains of solidified basaltic lava. They can be viewed in binoculars or even with the unaided eye. Some of the maria are circular, hinting at origins from giant asteroid impacts that created great basins that were later flooded with lava. Other maria are irregular and have more mysterious origins. A few of the maria are highlighted on the above map. Download the PDF for the full list.

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Apollo Sites
Between July 1969 and December 1972 a total of 12 astronauts landed on the surface of the Moon as part of the Apollo missions. Apollo missions 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 each landed in different locations on the lunar surface. These locations, each fascinating for their own particular reasons, sampled a wide range of lunar geology and terrain, from smooth mare plains to rugged ancient highlands. Three of the historic landing regions are visible on International Observe the Moon Night.

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Telescopic Treats
Some interesting lunar landforms that have favorable lighting for viewing on International Observe the Moon Night are identified above. These sites will require a telescope.


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