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Are there maps for the Moon and planets?
Home » Astronomy » Star Charts » Are there maps for the Moon and planets?If you are looking for the position of the Moon and planets along the ecliptic plane in the form of a map at any given time of year, your best bet is to look in a periodical. Planetarium programs on-line will also aid you into finding their positions along the ecliptic.
For those studying the Moon, there are many wonderful lunar charts that will give you crater names, and either a drawing or photograph to help you identify them. Unlike a star chart, a lunar map is oriented like a terrestrial map. North is up and west is to the left. Just remember the Moon tilts as it goes across the sky! The terminator—the line between shadow and sunlight—always moves from east to west... And the southern area of the Moon is more heavily cratered than the north.
For those studying the planets, there are also great maps for features on Mars and plenty of illustrations which will help you understand what features you are seeing on planets like Jupiter and Saturn.
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- Are there maps for the Moon and planets?