The moon in binos

Last night, with the moon being full, I decided to observe with my 10x50 binoculars, with the specific aim of wondering what is the smallest feature on the lunar surface that I could see.

Over in the Mare Fecuniditatis lies Messier and Messier A, Messier is the smaller of the pair at 9x11km. Bessel, in the Mare Serenitatis, has a diameter of 16km. Mare Nectaris contains Rosse at 12km.

Searching the surface, and using Rukl's Atlas of the Moon as a guide I came across Kundt at 11km, this crater is one of the bright 'spots', and therefore easier to pick out from the darker background of the Mare Nubium.

I came across the smallest feature in the Oceanus Procellarum, using the 12km Euclides as a guide I came upon Wichmann, at 10.6km, it was not easy to see and I used averted vision to tease it out from the ocean floor.

I understand that Messier with a length across one axis at 9km is the smallest, but the 11km length of the other axis means that 10.6km Wichmann is the winner.

I enjoyed hunting down the small craters, despite the eyestrain :roll: . I think that I will bring out the 25x100 binoculars tonight see how much smaller I can go.

I would be interested to know if any other moon watchers have done anything similar.

Paul

im afraid im still learing the lunar geography, generally i just stare in awe. well done on being so constructive!

That sounds like a challenge. i suspect features may be easier to pick as they approach the terminator, I will definitely have a lash at this. I suspect some of the isolated peaks like pico would be easier targets when they cast a long shadow.

Excellent post and a great idea. Smallest feature in 10X50's....

I often do what you do lunartic when there is a Full Moon on a clear night. But I thought I'd add my little 2 cents worth to further say, leave it till almost the last thing you do on your observing session! You will be staring for so long, you'll see nothing but blue-white discs in the back of your eyeballs for a long time afterwards! Rendering your eyes pretty much useful to all but the brighter binocular DSO's etc.



Seanie.