Practical Moon observing guides

Start with direction and altitude, then check your skyline, weather and phone. Each guide connects an explanation to the observing tool.

What do Moon altitudes of 10°, 30° and 60° look like?

Use azimuth to choose a direction and altitude to raise your gaze. Learn how a nearby building can block a Moon above the calculated horizon.

Why is the Moon invisible after moonrise?

A calculated horizon crossing is different from clearing your local skyline. Connect rise times with altitude and obstructions.

When phone compass or AR direction is wrong

Separate permissions, magnetic interference and sensor drift from astronomical calculations, then fall back to numerical directions.

Why does a phone photo turn the Moon white?

Manage the contrast between a bright Moon and a dark sky by adjusting exposure, focus and stability.

When should you look for crescents, quarters and full moons?

Lunar phase is also a clue to viewing time. Distinguish an evening Moon from a morning Moon.

How Moon Where computes its observing score

Read the astronomical and weather weights and their limits. A heuristic score is not a calibrated success probability.

Keep a Moon observing log: compare prediction with reality

Record both successes and failures. A simple template helps distinguish calculation, weather and local obstruction.