Toe Laer

The atlas of the near side of the Moon provides a wealth of named lunar formations that goes far beyond the named features currently identified by the IAU. Apart from the number of features, the atlas also provides libration maps, detail maps of areas of interest (e.g. Apollo landing sites) and a comprehensive index with all main and sub features. The main maps overlap for ease of use in areas on the edge of each map. To increase compatibility with existing observing references, the atlas follows the system of Rükl’s Atlas of the Moon, where the surface of the Moon is divided into 76 individual maps. This small scale allows the observer to identify not only the main features, but also all sub features. Where a smaller scale is necessary, detail maps have been added to the atlas. The basis of each map is high resolution imagery of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The identification of sub features is less ambiguous compared to other common maps, by using numbers with a reference to the full name on opposing pages.

Lunar observers often still refer to features that used to be identified on maps, but are not noted anywhere anymore on modern lunar maps; rilles, elevations and smaller craters whose names have ceased to be identified on official maps of the Moon. Hundreds such features exist and are identified in this Atlas. Features that are officially carried by the IAU and those that are not, are differentiated by colour.

The author has been an amateur astronomer for most of his life. During this time he has spent many hours observing objects inside and outside our solar system and photographing both. Since it was always difficult to find a modern atlas with all named features of the Moon, he decided to make one. The result is the Atlas of the Near Side of the Moon.