How can I figure out the moon's path across the sky?

October 31, 2006 12:39 AM

Is there a way I can figure out the moon's path across the night sky as viewed from a specific location on Earth on a given day?

I'm planning an outdoor event during an upcoming full moon, and would like to know how visible the moon will be in the night sky. Thus far I've been able to find plenty of information about moon phases, but no way to figure out what the moon's path will be.

posted by yellowlightman to Science & Nature (6 answers total)

You want a Lunar ephemeris.

Do you need help to understand how to use that one?
posted by ikkyu2 at 12:53 AM on October 31, 2006

CELESTIA

You're welcome.
posted by RavinDave at 1:40 AM on October 31, 2006

Or Stellarium.
posted by Armitage Shanks at 4:20 AM on October 31, 2006

If you're mainly concerned about lighting conditions, and don't care so much about the precise position of the moon relative to the fixed stars, all you need to remember is that a full moon always rises at sunset, is at its zenith at midnight, and sets at dawn. This is true all over the Earth. The actual track for the full moon where you are will be pretty similar to the track you observe any time within a few weeks of it.
posted by flabdablet at 4:55 AM on October 31, 2006

http://www.heavens-above.com
posted by chillmost at 5:22 AM on October 31, 2006

for any students coming across this question who are trying to complete some astronomy homework a little late, keep in mind that your TA will know whether or not the moon was visible on a particular night or obscured by clouds, and will grade accordingly.

i recommend taking geology instead.
posted by fishfucker at 9:26 AM on October 31, 2006