By Ed Downs

Notice, the title of this month’s Skies to Stars is “Moons,” the plural of “Moon.”  No, Earth did not pick up another moon, but the one we have is fascinating. This writer’s 12” reflector is well adapted to study our moon in surprising detail. With a clear sky and 300 power magnification, the normal visual distance of about 250,000 miles can be cut down to a surprisingly close 800 miles. Not only can one see the vast number of craters that were created during the late heavy bombardment period (upwards to four billion years ago), but also the mountain ranges and “seas” that were formed by volcanic activity.  Best observed when less than half full to improve shadow contrast, our moon is a wonder of discoveries. But our moon is not the only show in town. Mercury and Venus do not have moons, we have one and Mars has two small moons, leaving the inner rocky planets significantly “moon challenged.” You see, there are at least 180 moons (and still counting) in our solar system; many of which can be seen by amateur astronomers.