Lunar limb

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The lunar limb is the edge of the visible surface of the Moon as viewed from Earth.[1] Libration of the Moon, with its irregular surface, leads to small changes in its profile, and this complicates the task of precisely calculating eclipse times and durations.[2] However, data from the mapping of the lunar surface allows astronomers to predict the lunar profile for any given time with a high degree of certainty.[3]

The contrast of a brightly illuminated limb against a black sky makes it a popular target when testing telescope and binocular optics.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "List of basic lunar features."
  2. ^ O'Byrne, Chris. "Lunar Limb Corrections."
  3. ^ Watts, C. B. "The Marginal Zone of the Moon," Astron. Papers Amer. Ephem., 1963, 17, 1-951.
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