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See the Moon in a whole new light with this informative, easy-to-use guide that introduces the lunar cycle, one day at a time.
The Moon is our closest celestial neighbor—always present yet full of mystery. Its shifting phases, dramatic surface features, and role in human history make it one of the most captivating objects in the night sky. Discover the Moon like never before with Get to Know the Moon by award-winning author Jonathan Poppele, who takes you on a night-by-night journey through the lunar cycle.
This beautiful, full-color guide presents a 28-day exploration of the Moon’s phases, revealing how its features change in appearance from one night to the next. Each entry pairs a clear image of the Moon with descriptive insights, highlighting craters, maria, mountain ranges, and other surface landmarks as they emerge from shadow and fade again into darkness. Whether you’re observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or a small telescope, you’ll find guidance tailored to your equipment and level of experience.
Learn to identify earthshine, understand the effects of libration, and navigate the subtle shifts in visibility across seasons and atmospheric conditions. Jonathan blends scientific accuracy with a conversational tone, making astronomy approachable and engaging for amateurs, families, educators, and anyone drawn to the rhythms of the night sky. Get to Know the Moon turns casual stargazing into informed exploration.
Inside you’ll find:
- Day-by-day study of the Moon’s appearance and surface features
- Observation tips for naked-eye viewing, binoculars, and telescopes
- Descriptions of key lunar features, from famous craters to Apollo landing sites
- Clear explanations of phenomena like earthshine and libration
Jonathan Poppele is a naturalist, author, and educator who works to help people connect more deeply with themselves, with others, and with the natural world. An avid outdoorsman and student of natural history, Jon is an active member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society, and he is the founder and director of the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project. Jon is also Head Instructor of Minnesota Ki-Aikido. He lives in the Twin Cities.
Introduction
Our Changing View of the Moon
Features on the Moon
What You Can See
How to Use This Book
About the Images in This Book
A Month of Moongazing
The Selenological Timescale: The History of the Lunar Surface
Lunar Eclipse Charts
Mirror Images for Some Telescopes
Additional Resources
Glossary
Annotated Index of Features
About the Author