How can pupils observe craters on the Moon?
With binoculars or a small telescope, pupils can see many craters, best along the terminator, the line between light and dark, rather than at full Moon.
Observing lunar craters connects meteorite lessons to something pupils can see for themselves.
When to look. The best time is not full Moon, when the Sun shines straight down and shadows vanish. Instead, observe a few days either side of first or last quarter, when the Moon looks half lit. Along the terminator, the boundary between day and night, sunlight strikes at a low angle and craters cast long shadows, making their rims and central peaks stand out.
Equipment. Even ordinary binoculars, braced against a wall or on a tripod, show large craters and the dark maria. A small telescope reveals many more craters, mountain ranges and rilles. The Moon is bright, so it can be viewed from towns and in early evening, which suits school timetables in winter.
Tasks. Pupils sketch what they see over several nights and notice how shadows and visible features change. They can identify prominent craters such as Copernicus, Tycho with its bright rays, and Plato with its dark floor using a simple Moon map. Discuss why the Moon is so cratered compared with Earth.
Safety. Never look at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope. Observe the Moon only when the Sun has set or is well away, and supervise young pupils with optical equipment.
Photographing the Moon through a telescope eyepiece with a phone is an engaging extension that produces images for classroom displays.
More about for teachers
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- How can meteorites be used in A-level geology?
- How can I run a 'meteorite or meteorwrong?' activity?