5 Lunar Targets for International Observe the Moon Night 2026

International Observe the Moon Night is here! To celebrate this celestial event, grab your telescope and explore these five breathtaking lunar targets that showcase the moon’s stunning features.

1. Montes Apenninus

During the moon’s first quarter phase, the Montes Apenninus mountain range is a spectacular sight. Its shadows stretch across the lunar surface as sunlight hits its eastern flanks. Look for this majestic sweep about 20 degrees north of the lunar equator.

Tip: Use a telescope with at least a 4-inch aperture for the best details.

2. Famous Craters: Plato, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes

Next, check out the shadowed craters named after great thinkers: Plato, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes. You’ll find Plato—a 68-mile-wide crater—sitting on the northern edge of Mare Imbrium. Look southward for the smaller Archimedes crater and the intriguing Eratosthenes crater, which adds a fascinating texture to your viewing experience.

3. Tranquility Base

Next, move on to the historic Apollo 11 landing site, Tranquility Base. Locate the Sea of Tranquility, a large basaltic plain, and the Ritter and Sabine craters nearby. Though too small to see, the footprints left by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are fascinating markers of human achievement.

4. Mare Crisium

Look for Mare Crisium on the moon’s eastern edge. This vast lunar sea resulted from a massive asteroid impact that formed a basin eventually filled with hardened lava. The Sea of Crisis is a stunning sight with its clearly defined boundaries.

5. Rupes Recta (The Straight Wall)

For your final target, seek out the enigmatic Rupes Recta, also known as the Straight Wall. This 62-mile-long cliff is strikingly visible soon after the first quarter phase, and its dark line cuts across the moon’s surface.

If you’re eager to learn more about celebrating International Observe the Moon Night, check out our guide or explore our recommended telescopes for the best lunar observing experience!