Consejos para la observación de la Luna con un telescopio

Tips for observing the Moon with a telescope

Let's start with the most basic question many people ask: Which telescope should I use for lunar observation? The truth is, any telescope, because the Moon is the second brightest object in our sky after the Sun. Now, how can I get the most out of my observation? That's what we'll cover in this article. We'll start with some tips.

Observing the Moon through a telescope can be a fascinating experience, as you can see a wealth of details on its surface, including craters, mountains, and seas. We recommend a few simple steps to get the best experience when observing the Moon through a telescope:

Preparation :

  • Choose a clear, cloudless night for observation.
  • Make sure your telescope is clean and in good working order.
  • Place the telescope in a stable, level location.
Location :
  • Before you focus your telescope on the Moon, make sure you have an idea of ​​where it is in the sky. You can use astronomy apps or star charts to do this.

Assembly :

  • Mount the telescope according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Align the mount or tripod so that the telescope is level and pointing in the correct direction.

Approach :

  • Start with a low power eyepiece (larger number of millimeters) to find the Moon, for example, a 25mm or 20mm eyepiece.
  • Align the telescope toward the Moon and slowly adjust it until the image is in focus.
  • Once you have the Moon in your field of view, you can switch to higher-power eyepieces to see smaller details; for example, you could use a 10mm eyepiece.

Exploration :

  • Explore the lunar surface. You can observe craters, mountains, seas, and other lunar features.
  • Pay attention to the shadows and details on the crater rims, as these can reveal more information about the lunar topography.

Optional filtering :

  • For even more detail, consider using moon filters. These filters reduce the brightness of the Moon and can make details more visible.

Enjoy :

  • Take your time to enjoy observing and exploring different areas of the Moon.
  • You can take notes or draw what you see if you wish.

Photography (optional):

  • If you have a camera adapted for astrophotography, you can try capturing images of the Moon. This can be challenging, but with patience and practice, you can achieve stunning photographs.

Remember that the Moon moves across the sky, so you may need to occasionally adjust your telescope's orientation to continue observing it. Lunar observing is a great way to get started in astronomy, as the Moon is a bright and easy-to-locate object in the night sky.

The main lunar craters visible with a telescope

The Moon is riddled with craters, but some of the major lunar craters that are visible with a moderate-sized telescope include:

Tycho : Tycho crater is one of the youngest and most prominent craters on the Moon. It has a system of bright rays extending from its center. It is visible near the southern edge of the Moon.

Astrophotograph of Tycho Crater taken with a 127 mm aperture MAK telescope and a dedicated Bresser HD camera. Credit: Iván Sánchez (image used with the author's permission).

Copernicus : Copernicus is a large, well-defined crater with steep walls and a prominent central peak. It is located in the north-central region of the Moon.

Clavius : This is one of the largest craters on the Moon and has a system of smaller craters within it. It is visible in the southern part of the Moon.

Aristarchus : Aristarchus is a bright crater located in the Mare Imbrium region. It has a striking appearance due to its relative brightness.

Pythagoras : Pythagoras is a large, circular crater with a system of radial ridges extending from its center. It is located near the terminator (the line between lunar light and shadow) in the Montes Apenninus region.

Euler : Euler is a young, bright crater with a well-defined rim and bright ray system. It is located in the Montes Apenninus region.


Kepler : Kepler is another prominent crater with a well-defined rim and central peak. It is located in the northwestern region of the Moon.


Plato : Plato is a large, flat crater with a relatively flat floor and a series of small craters within it. It is easy to identify due to its appearance.


Cassini : Cassini is a large, old crater with an eroded rim. It is located in the southeastern region of the Moon.


Gassendi : Gassendi is a large crater with a rocky rim and a central peak. It is visible in the southeastern region of the Moon.

    These are just a few of the many lunar craters you can explore with a telescope. Each has its own geological history and unique characteristics, making moongazing fascinating and educational. Remember that the appearance of these craters can vary depending on the moon phase and sunlight, so I recommend observing at different times to better appreciate their details.

    Recommended applications for lunar observation with the help of a mobile phone

    If you want to use mobile apps to observe the Moon and obtain information about its phases, position in the sky, and other features, there are several apps available for mobile devices that can be very helpful. Here are some popular apps for observing the Moon:

    SkySafari (Available on iOS and Android):

    SkySafari is a highly recommended astronomy app that offers a detailed view of the night sky. You can use it to identify the Moon and learn about its phases, as well as explore other celestial objects.

    Star Walk 2 (Available on iOS and Android):

    Star Walk 2 is an astronomy app that allows you to identify and track the Moon in the sky. It offers detailed information about the Moon, including its phases and details of lunar features.

    Stellarium Mobile (Available on iOS and Android):

    Stellarium Mobile is a planetarium app that lets you explore the sky in real time from your mobile device. You can use it to track the Moon and obtain information about its position in the sky and its appearance at different times.

    SkyView (Available on iOS and Android):

    SkyView is an augmented reality app that shows you a real-time view of the sky through your device's camera. You can point your phone at the Moon and get information about its position and phase.

    LunaSolaria (Available on iOS):

    LunaSolaria is a lunar-specific app that provides detailed data on lunar phases, the Moon's distance from Earth, and visibility at your location.

    LunaMap (Available on iOS and Android):

    LunaMap is an app that provides detailed maps of the lunar surface and lets you explore the names of craters and other lunar features.

    Google Sky Map (Available on Android):

    Google Sky Map is an augmented reality app from Google that lets you identify and track celestial objects, including the Moon, using your Android device's camera.

    LunaPix - Lunar Observer (Available on iOS):

    LunaPix is ​​an app that allows you to observe the Moon in high resolution and explore its features. It also provides information on lunar phases.

      These apps will help you observe and learn more about the Moon from your mobile device. You can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

      What telescope is recommended for observing the Moon?

      As we mentioned at the beginning, you don't need an extremely powerful telescope to observe the Moon, as the Moon is one of the brightest and most detailed objects in the night sky and is relatively close to Earth. Almost any type of telescope will allow you to get excellent views of the Moon. Below are some general recommendations on the type of telescope you might want to consider:

      • Reflector telescope: Reflector telescopes use mirrors to collect and focus light. They are also suitable for observing the Moon and can be a more economical option compared to refractors. A reflector with a primary mirror 4 inches (100 mm) or larger would be ideal for the Moon.
      • Catadioptric telescope: Catadioptric telescopes, such as Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes, are a versatile and compact option for lunar observing. They feature a combination of lenses and mirrors and offer good performance for the Moon.
      • Binoculars: Binoculars are also an excellent option for observing the Moon. They provide a more panoramic view of the Moon and allow you to enjoy a three-dimensional view of our natural satellite. Astronomical binoculars with a magnification of at least 10x50 are suitable.

        In addition to choosing the type of telescope, consider other important factors, such as the quality of the optics, the stability of the tripod or mount, and portability if you plan to take it to different observing locations. It's also a good idea to invest in quality eyepieces to provide a range of magnifications and be able to adjust the view to your liking.

        Remember that the quality of the night sky and your viewing location will also affect your viewing experience. Look for dark, light-polluted locations to enjoy the Moon in all its splendor.

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