Lunar Observation (Helps & Hints)
For every monthly lunar cycle there is a maximum toward the north and the south. At the height of the 18.6 year Lunar Standstill Cycle, there are few opportunities to observe the moon at its most extreme northerly and southerly positions. Some of these events are during phases that are not very visible rising or setting. Local weather will further reduce viewing chances. Some events are at very late or early hours.
Waxing phases rise after the sun and are hard to observe unless they are closer to full, but they set after the sun and even at very thin crescent phases are usually visible (under clear enough conditions). The opposite is true for waning phases which rise before the sun and can be observed from a thin crescent phase at dawn that would be difficult to see setting while the sun is still in the sky until closer to full. In short, waxing phases are best for moonset, waning phases for moonrise. Full or nearly full phases are ideal for observation.
Also keep in mind that if there is any elevation to the horizon in the direction of the rising or setting moon, then generally listed rise/set time will be shifted. It is always good to be in place early for an event, and in the case of the moon setting behind an elevated horizon like a mountain or hill, even more time should be allowed as it will go down earlier than listings. Rise events are delayed to a later time than you will see listed, so at least this will not cause a missed event.
Waxing phases rise after the sun and are hard to observe unless they are closer to full, but they set after the sun and even at very thin crescent phases are usually visible (under clear enough conditions). The opposite is true for waning phases which rise before the sun and can be observed from a thin crescent phase at dawn that would be difficult to see setting while the sun is still in the sky until closer to full. In short, waxing phases are best for moonset, waning phases for moonrise. Full or nearly full phases are ideal for observation.
Also keep in mind that if there is any elevation to the horizon in the direction of the rising or setting moon, then generally listed rise/set time will be shifted. It is always good to be in place early for an event, and in the case of the moon setting behind an elevated horizon like a mountain or hill, even more time should be allowed as it will go down earlier than listings. Rise events are delayed to a later time than you will see listed, so at least this will not cause a missed event.
Click Here for Maximum/Minimum Standstill Dates
calculated for the years of the current Major Standstill.
The link is to a spreadsheet that is view only on the web, but if you have a Google account you can click 'File' then 'Make a Copy' so that you can make edits to a specific event date along with an entered site latitude/longitude value and UTC offset amount. This will create links to a table of rise/set times, a horizon diagram with rise/set angles, and a map view with rise/set azimuths. Scroll to the RIGHT to find these settings and links on the spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet has UTC dates/times for lunar standstill events, but the maximum rise/set positions might be attained at certain locations on the day before or after, or even stay much the same for 2 consecutive days. It is ideal to check the local situation with a website like www.timeanddate.com/moon/ where you can enter a location (latitude, longitude) and then get a chart like the sample below. Checking the maximum and minimum rise/set azimuths before they reverse can help pinpoint the best event to observe. Match the labels, values, and arrows in this chart with the compass azimuth diagram below for a better understanding. Video Demo of Spreadsheet Use
calculated for the years of the current Major Standstill.
The link is to a spreadsheet that is view only on the web, but if you have a Google account you can click 'File' then 'Make a Copy' so that you can make edits to a specific event date along with an entered site latitude/longitude value and UTC offset amount. This will create links to a table of rise/set times, a horizon diagram with rise/set angles, and a map view with rise/set azimuths. Scroll to the RIGHT to find these settings and links on the spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet has UTC dates/times for lunar standstill events, but the maximum rise/set positions might be attained at certain locations on the day before or after, or even stay much the same for 2 consecutive days. It is ideal to check the local situation with a website like www.timeanddate.com/moon/ where you can enter a location (latitude, longitude) and then get a chart like the sample below. Checking the maximum and minimum rise/set azimuths before they reverse can help pinpoint the best event to observe. Match the labels, values, and arrows in this chart with the compass azimuth diagram below for a better understanding. Video Demo of Spreadsheet Use
The sample chart and azimuths are for a specific standstill event and location, values will vary but the principle is the same to find best rise/set event.
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The links below return to previous pages with more lunar information: Major Lunar Standstill Information Equalized Lunar Standstill Information More Lunar Patterns Information Facebook Discussion/Observation Help Video Demo with Tips/Help with Observation Dates |
