Mare Fecunditatis

The Sea of Fertility is a large, irregular mare in the eastern part of the Moon’s near side.

Object Type: Lunar Mare (Sea)

Size: 909 km diameter

Location: Chattanooga, TN (35.15°N, 85.32°W)

Equipment: Telescope (750/150mm)

Visual Description

Mare Fecunditatis appeared as a darker region with irregular boundaries, connecting to Mare Nectaris to the west and Mare Tranquillitatis to the north. The mare floor showed subtle variations in shading, indicating different ages of lava flows.

Notable Features

  • Irregular shape with embayments into highlands
  • Multiple generations of lava flows visible
  • Bordered by prominent craters including Langrenus and Petavius
  • Connects to other maria forming a larger dark region

Notes

  • Name means “Sea of Fertility”
  • Best observed 4-6 days after new moon
  • Look for wrinkle ridges crossing the mare floor
  • Coordinates: 7.8°S, 51.3°E