STEP 01: LEVEL Hold your device flat like a dinner plate for the most accurate azimuth (direction) reading. π±
STEP 02: CALIBRATE If the N is spinning, move your phone in a large Figure-8 motion to reset the magnetometer. π
STEP 03: ELEVATE Look at the "Altitude" number. If it is 45Β°, the moon is halfway between the horizon and directly overhead. π
STEP 04: SCAN Follow the blue target on your radar. If it glows, the moon is currently above your local horizon! β¨
Lunar Tracking & Navigation
Mastering the Celestial Compass
Finding the Moon isn't always as simple as looking up. Because of Earth's rotation and the Moon's 28-day orbital cycle, its position shifts by roughly 50 minutes every day. This means the Moon may rise in the middle of the afternoon or at 3:00 AM, making a live tracker essential for observers and photographers.
Our Obsidian Lunar Radar uses advanced GPS telemetry to sync your device's physical orientation with the current position of the Moon. By calculating your local Azimuth (compass direction) and Altitude (height above the horizon), the radar provides a 1:1 digital mirror of the sky above your head.
Whether you are planning a late-night stargazing session or hunting for the rare Daytime Moon, this tracker eliminates the guesswork. If the radar target is glowing and centered, you are looking directly at Earth's only natural satelliteβeven if it is currently hidden behind clouds or urban skylines.
Telemetry Decoded: Azimuth vs. Altitude
To use the radar effectively, you must understand the two primary coordinates of celestial navigation. Azimuth is measured in degrees around the horizon, where 0Β° is North, 90Β° is East, 180Β° is South, and 270Β° is West. This tells you which direction to face.
Altitude represents the angle of the Moon relative to your local horizon. An altitude of 0Β° means the Moon is currently rising or setting. An altitude of 90Β° (the Zenith) means the Moon is directly overhead. If your altitude reading is negative, the Moon is currently on the other side of the Earth, hidden below your feet.
System FAQ
Q: Why is the compass spinning or inaccurate?
Smartphone compasses rely on a Magnetometer. If you are near large metal objects (cars, steel beams) or have a magnetic clasp on your phone case, the signal will be disrupted. Pro Tip: Move your phone in a large "Figure-8" motion to recalibrate the sensor.
Q: Can I see the Moon if the altitude is 0Β° or less?
No. If the altitude is 0Β°, the Moon is at the horizon line. If it is negative, the Moon is below the horizon and invisible from your current location. Our radar will "ghost" the target (lower opacity) when this occurs.
Q: What is "Photon Latency"?
Light travels at approximately 299,792 kilometers per second. Since the Moon is roughly 384,400km away, it takes about 1.28 seconds for light to travel from its surface to your eyes. When you look at the Moon, you are actually seeing it as it existed over a second ago!
Q: Is the radar showing True North or Magnetic North?
Most mobile devices default to Magnetic North. Depending on your geographic location (Magnetic Declination), there may be a slight variance between the radar and the physical sky. For the best experience, use the radar as a general guide to find the correct area of the sky.
