When phone compass or AR direction is wrong
Separate permissions, magnetic interference and sensor drift from astronomical calculations, then fall back to numerical directions.
AR is an aid
The calculated azimuth comes from time and coordinates. Phone orientation comes from sensors, calibration and browser support. A drifting AR marker does not automatically imply the same error in astronomical coordinates. Check numerical azimuth and altitude first.
Troubleshoot the symptom
| Symptom | First check |
|---|---|
| Direction frozen | Motion permission and browser support |
| Direction jumping | Magnetic case, vehicle or metal railing |
| Constant offset | Calibration and true versus magnetic north |
| In-app browser fails | Open in Safari or Chrome |
Follow your device’s calibration instructions. Figure-eight movements may help but are not a universal fix.
Use numerical guidance
At azimuth 225°, face southwest; at altitude 30°, look upward from the horizon. Camera permission is optional. Moon Where uses true north, so check the reference used by another compass app.
Report reproducible errors
Include device, browser, time, approximate area and displayed azimuth. Do not submit your exact home coordinates. This checklist is general guidance, not a certification based on testing every phone.
Purpose planner · Moon classroom · Observing places
Sources and review
Moon Where operator · Reviewed: 2026-10-07. AI assisted drafting; explanation reviewed against cited sources and application code. Hypothetical examples are identified.