This map depicts the Moon as it appeared on International Observe the Moon Night, September 14, 2024, at 8:00 PM EDT (00:00 UTC September 15). At this phase, many of the best views occur along the terminator (the line between the day and night side of the Moon) where shadows accentuate lunar topography.
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Telescopic Treats
Some of the more interesting lunar landforms that had favorable lighting for viewing on September 14, 2024 are identified here.
Lunar Maria (Seas)
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, which were later flooded with lava. Other maria are irregular and have more mysterious origins. On International Observe the Moon Night 2024, observers had the opportunity to identify up to 16 maria on the near side of the Moon. You can find the larger maria without any special equipment. Smaller maria may be challenging to find even through binoculars.
Human Landing Sites
Between July 1969 and December 1972 a total of 12 astronauts landed on the surface of the Moon for six 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. The regions of all six landing sites were visible on International Observe the Moon Night 2024.
