Keep a Moon observing log: compare prediction with reality
Record both successes and failures. A simple template helps distinguish calculation, weather and local obstruction.
Separate calculation and observation
“Altitude displayed as 20°” is a calculated value. “Seen beside the apartment building” is an observation. Record both so a cloud, obstruction or compass error can be identified later. Failed attempts are useful too.
What to record
- Date, time and timezone.
- Approximate place, without your home address.
- Calculated azimuth, altitude, phase and available forecast.
- Seen / hidden by cloud / hidden by building / uncertain.
- Your original photo, device and exposure settings.
Interpret a record cautiously
A white circle in a photo can mean exposure failure, not failure to locate the Moon. One successful photograph cannot establish overall forecast accuracy. Compare repeated attempts and preserve the context needed to reproduce them.
Privacy and sharing
The form below saves a draft in this browser and can export plain text. It does not publish or send the entry to a server. Sharing in the gallery is a separate choice. Remove private location data and identifying details from photos. No invented operator observations are published here.
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.