South Pole 90°S

The Moon's South Pole lies west of the barely 70-km crater Malapert (84.9°S, 12.9°E) – but slightly farther south. The next crater, lying to the west is Cabeus (84.9°S, 35.5°W), just about 100 km in diameter. The South Pole itself is difficult for even experienced lunar observers to locate, because it lies in an area that is saturated with craters, and the lighting and shadows create a chaotic appearance. Observation of the South Pole therefore requires optimum libration angles.

Moretus 70.6°S, 5.8°W

Gruemberger 66.9°S, 10.0°W

Moretus is a relatively young crater, 110 km in diamater, conspicuously terraced inner crater walls and a large, pyramid-shaped central mountain. It undoubtedly was created in the Eratosthenian period on the lunar timescale. It is a magnificent sight under favourable libration conditions in both large and small telescopes.

In stark contrast to Moretus is the significantly older, neighbouring crater Gruemberger, lying directly to the northwest, and which, with a diameter of 94 km, is of a similar size to Moretus. It is obvious from its heavily eroded crater wall that it is distinctly older. The crater Gruemberger A (20 km) lies on the crater's floor.

Curtius 67.2°S, 4.4°E

A crater, 95 km in diameter, with an eccentrically placed central peak, which lies northeast of Moretus. Smaller, later impacts have been superimposed on the crater wall in the south and the east. The crater's floor appears smooth and level.