October 10, 2020
Observing with a Mission
Originally published April 5, 2011
image by Howard Eskildsen
I have on occasion stated that bands in banded craters almost certainly do not change, and hence there is little reason to monitor them. Howard points out two reasons for continuing to do so. First, looking for banded craters provides a reason to carefully study different regions of the Moon. Rather than simply pointing a telescope at the Moon and checking that Plato or Clavius are still there, any sort of observational project promotes observation with a purpose. The Lunar 100 does that, and so does looking for banded craters or dark halo craters, or measuring shadow lengths or any other systematic examination of the surface. The second reason Howard offers is even more important: it is fun. Having fun while observing means that you will spend more time doing it and will come to understand the Moon better. That will make all the other Moon-related activities more interesting - imaging with a purpose, reading to increase understanding, and perhaps even checking LPOD for hints and inspiration.
Chuck Wood
Note: Thanks to Gérard Coute who has been helping Jocelyn Sérot with ILUJ, the French version of LPOD!
Related Links
Rükl plate 26
Yesterday's LPOD: A Highly Featured Hole in the Ground
Tomorrow's LPOD: Snow At the Pole?
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