New Atlas of the Moon.

The moon, Earth's lone natural satellite, is at once familiar and alien. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin described its surface as "magnificent desolation." This oversized atlas reveals the intricate and interesting features of the moon that may go unnoticed by the casual Earth-based observer. Part one features large photographs and detailed descriptions of the moon's day-by-day phase changes. Each description details the moon's position in the sky and the major topological features that are revealed as the phases change. Transparent overlays provide markers for these features on the moon's surface. Each daily description is accompanied by a sidebar with abundant facts about the moon, including why it appears white when full, the history behind lunar nomenclature, and details of the U.S. and Russian exploratory missions. Part two of the atlas is a guide to lunar cartography and provides in-depth descriptions of lunar features and the best times to observe them. The atlas ends with a section describing lunar events, including eclipses, and a practical guide to telescopes and binoculars for observing the moon. Fire-fly, 2006, 128 p., b&w and color images, $55.00.