Maps Of The Moon

This rarely-seen map of the Moon originates from a 300-inch hand-drawn map produced by the engineer and amateur astronomer Hugh Percival Wilkins (1896-1960). Combining artistry with scientific precision, Wilkins's detailed map reveals the rugged terrain of our celestial neighbour. First published in 1946 as a 100-inch reproduction, Wilkins continued to revise and expand his observations and produced this third edition in 1951. Comprised of 25 sheets, it was subsequently used by amateur and professional astronomers, and was even purchased by NASA. Acquired by the Museum in 2006, Wilkins's Map of the Moon is reproduced faithfully in this volume over 90 pages, making this beautiful record of astronomical history available for all.

Philip's Moon Map is a completely new large-format map of the near side of the Moon. It has been specially drawn for Philip's by Dr John Murray, a research lecturer at the UK's Open University, who is an expert on the lunar surface. The map is not only a highly accurate and clear representation of the Moon but also a practical guide for lunar observers.More than 500 physical features - craters, seas, mountain ranges, peaks, valleys and rilles (elongated depressions) - are named and indexed, and the landing sites of unmanned and manned spacecraft are also marked. The observer can readily identify objects seen through binoculars or a telescope, or pick targets for a programme of observation.The chart includes a small map of the far side of the Moon (never visible from the Earth).Next to the map is a practical guide to lunar observing. This concise and informative text describes the various types of feature to observe, and is illustrated with drawings and photographs. Tips are given as to the best point in the lunar cycle to observe the most interesting of these features. Guidelines on drawing or photographing the Moon are also included.Colour artworks explain the Moon's orbit, and why its phase (the proportion of the Moon that is visible from Earth) changes during the course of a month. Also explained, with the help of illustrations, are the path of the Moon during the course of the year and why lunar and solar eclipses occur.

Drawing on a number of detailed historical case studies and visual analyses of many moon images, this work proposes an innovative understanding of the development of lunar cartography, and offers new insights on theoretical debates surrounding the nature of maps in general.

Historical maps and rare photographs illustrate four centuries of mapping the Moon.

"I've got you, and you've got me - so we'll be all right" . . . One day, adventurous Mouse sets off to find the moon with his Marvellous Moon Map, leaving his worried friend Bear behind. But as the Woods get darker, and the weather gets worse, Mouse soon realizes that he needs more than just the Moon Map to find his way . . . An emotional and atmospheric tale of true friendship, beautifully told by Teresa Heapy with stunning illustrations from Waterstones-Prizewinning David Litchfield

Historical maps and rare photographs illustrate four centuries of mapping the Moon.