Move beyond a list of names. Detailed atlas entries connect morphology, geology, exploration history, imagery and observing value. Use the Feature Finder when you need a broader searchable reference.
A prominent crater centred very close to the lunar south pole. Its interior includes terrain that remains in permanent shadow while nearby high terrain can receive extended illumination.
Why it matters: Shackleton is central to polar exploration because illumination, extreme cold and potential volatile cold traps occur within a compact region.
A young, conspicuous impact crater surrounded by an extensive bright ray system visible across much of the near side.
Why it matters: Tycho is a useful case study in impact ejecta, crater morphology and relative surface age.
A prominent complex crater with terraced walls, central peaks and a bright ray system.
Why it matters: Its well-defined structure makes Copernicus an excellent telescopic target for studying complex impact craters.
One of the largest conspicuous crater formations visible from Earth, containing a distinctive arc of smaller interior craters.
Why it matters: Its scale and nested craters make it useful for understanding crater superposition and observing changing shadow relief.
A very bright young crater on the Aristarchus Plateau, near volcanic features including Vallis Schröteri.
Why it matters: The region combines impact geology with evidence of ancient volcanism and is visually striking through telescopes.
A dark basaltic plain on the lunar near side best known as the region containing the Apollo 11 landing site.
Why it matters: It connects lunar volcanism, telescopic geography and the history of human exploration.
A vast basalt-filled impact basin dominating the northwestern near side.
Why it matters: Its basin structure, lava plains and surrounding mountains preserve major episodes of lunar impact and volcanic history.
The Moon's largest named dark volcanic plain, spanning a huge portion of the western near side.
Why it matters: It contains diverse volcanic terrains and hosted multiple robotic and sample-return missions.
An immense ancient impact basin extending from the lunar south polar region across much of the far side.
Why it matters: Its size and depth make it a major target for studies of lunar crust, mantle materials and early Solar System bombardment.
A sinuous channel interpreted as an ancient volcanic feature near the Apollo 15 landing site.
Why it matters: Apollo 15 observations and samples made the area a classic field site for studying lunar volcanism and surface processes.
A far-side crater within the South Pole-Aitken Basin and the landing region of Chang'e 4.
Why it matters: It combines ancient basin geology with the first in-situ exploration of the lunar far side.
A distinct circular basaltic basin easily recognised near the eastern limb of the Moon.
Why it matters: Its isolated geometry makes it a useful observing landmark and it became the landing region for Blue Ghost Mission 1.
