Customer Reviews

Sky & Telescope's Mirror-Image Field Map of the Moon

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Both versions of this map are drawn by Antonin Rukl whose Atlas of the Moon in book form is currently the gold standard for readily available paper lunar atlases. While the scale is smaller here, the amount of detail will be sufficient for the vast majority of telescopic observers.

But what distinguishes these maps is how well they're designed. Laminated, folding in quarters and just about the perfect size, it's plain that Sky Publishing meant these to be practical and rugged.

Also, two very nice touches. The lunar surface features are repeated where the map folds so no details are lost "in the ditch". And each map quadrant shows the libration zones.

This map is excellent.

I decided to buy this Mirror-Image field map because I have a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that also reverses viewed objects. I already had the true-image field map, but I had a lot of difficulty using it because I'm a novice of lunar topography. The reverse map made such a difference in my ability to see and identify landmarks. The map is laminated and folded, separating the moon into four quadrants. This makes it easy to handle and use without worrying about nighttime dew. I took it to an astonomy club star party, and showed several experienced amateurs. None had ever seen this particular map before. It got rave reviews from them too.

Alright, here's the skinny.

1. It's a reverse veiw map. So it looks the same as the view through your refractor with a star diagonal or SCT.
2. Rukl knows his business. The map is detailed, and shows you everything you can see.
3. It's laminated. It won't get damaged from dew or those inevitable drink spills.
4. The "hinging" system makes it easy to use. It folds nicely, isn't bulky, and is easy to carry, store, and use at the eyepiece.
5. At this price you can't go wrong just TRYING it.

Face it. This is a moon map that you will USE. If you don't need the reversed view (perhaps you prefer binoculars or the naked eye to a telescope) there is a non-reversed version available, too.

For price, performance, and just plain smart design, this is MUST HAVE if you're looking for a moon map.

I am workinkg part time for Planetary of University of Santiago of Chile, and when is necessary watch the moon by telescope, I was received many children to make excursions over moon surface. Then I was used this map, to locate place where astronauts from Apollo 11, put their feet first time on the Moon. I give to children locate trought mirror scope, many moon features: Seas, Hills, craters, until arrive aproximately over site, where man from earth, arrive there. Is very funny to children and adults too.
Fernando Franco Blü.
Rancagua, CHILE.

I loved this Mirro-Image of the Moon so much I bought two, one to hang in my bedroom and one to use at the Telescope. With my Celestron C8-SGT and the mirror image I'm not constantly correcting myself and can find eveything so much easier. And its laminated, when helps when the Dew and late night moisture comes in. I have about ten sky atlases, but only this one and another are laminated.

If you are a lunar observer with a refractor or SCT telescope this is the moon map you want. Because both your telescope and this map show you a mirror image of the moon, you can avoid the mental gymnastics that you would have to do with other maps to identify craters, mountains and rilles.

The map is laminated, so it is durable. It will not be damaged by dew. You can even mark it with a grease pencil as you check off objects you have observed, and you can still wipe it clean.

If you have a Dobsonian, you want the Sky & Telescope's Field Map of the Moon, so you will see the moon as it appears through your telescope.

I feel this map will satisfy beginner to intermediate lunar observers.

If you have observed all the objects on one of these maps and are still hungry for more, you may want to invest in the Atlas of the Moon: Revised, Updated Edition by Antonin Rukl and Gary Seronik. This is a fabulous, detailed book that can keep us "Lunar-Tics" looking for challenging lunar features for years.

The two field maps of the moon published by Sky and Telescope are fine tools for anyone wishing to learn the geography of the moon. They are detailed but not cluttered, are dew resistant, are large enough but folded into quarters so that they are manageable on a small table at the telescope. One presents the moon as seen with image erecting aids like binoculars; the mirror image version presents the moon as seen through a telescope.

Regards, Red

This lunar atlas is very useful when observing with a telescope as it puts the moon into the same perspective as the telescope. The lunar atlas, written by Rukl, the hands down foremost authority on selenography, lists all of the major features on the surface of the moon in a way that is easily discernable. The atlas is laminated which makes it ideal for use in the evenings, when dew may form, ruining other atlases.

I recommend this atlas for both the amateur astronomer and the professional who needs a quick reference.

Francis J. O'Reilly

This is the perfect size to sit next to your telescope and explore the moon with.

I am very satisfied with this product. It is durable and has a lot of detail. It is laminated well to protect it from moisture. I couldn't ask for more, it was worth the money. I would recommend it.