Moon's Upside down for South

Globular3 (Jeff) · #1 02-09-2007, 11:18 PM

Hey Fella's,
I just realised that the moon phase picture on the home page is upside down for the southern hemisphere.

Since this is Amateur Australian Astronomy, I think that it should be turned around 180 degrees. A minor thing really, but it could confuse some of our newer people to the science.

mojo (Terry) · #2 03-09-2007, 01:45 AM

When I originally did the moon phase thing, South was up. Then people said it's the wrong way around, so North is up. I agree with you - South should be up. But I can see it being confusing if it's depicted in southern hemisphere view when every other depiction of the moon is North up.

You'd have to take a poll on this one

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #3 03-09-2007, 04:41 AM

My vote: Aussie forum - Aussie orientation.....

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #4 03-09-2007, 06:25 AM

No matter which way you do it, you will tread on someones toes.

iceman (Mike) · #5 03-09-2007, 06:45 AM

Exactly, and what about at early waxing/waning phases when the moon is lit from underneath or on top? The left/right illumination won't be accurate then, either.
Just remember, it's a representation of the phase. It's not meant to be an exact view as if you stepped outside. It doesn't take into account libration or the distance from the Earth, either

radu5er · #6 03-09-2007, 06:48 AM

The moon's orientation was one of the first things I noticed when I moved here. I never gave it any thought when I lived in the US.

...and to think, for 46 years I was looking at the moon upside down

I agree with Omaroo, " Aussie forum - Aussie orientation....."

Globular3 (Jeff) · #7 03-09-2007, 11:20 PM

Well Guys,
Thank you for all of your replies. This was interesting, at the very least, to see such a variety of responses. I was quite amazed at the thought that some of you would think I would be, quote "treading on someone's toes" over this matter. True, the graphic doesn't display all lunar characteristics such as libration or inclination of the phase, however it would at least be appearing in the predominant orientation as viewed from Australia, and not upside down. Irrespective of the suface features visible, I thought it important to light the Moon as it is seen in the sky, else some newer members to the science may be confused unnecessarily. I was only trying to offer an improvement to the site as a benefit to our younger, less experienced members in the hobby. I both never envisaged or intended to hurt or upset anyone over this matter.

iceman (Mike) · #8 04-09-2007, 12:12 AM

heh noone was upset. You're not the first to bring this up and you won't be the last

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #9 04-09-2007, 12:48 AM

Try looking at the moon when it's lower in the eastern sky, then later the same night have a look again when it's on it's way down in the west.

Same moon, same night - but what was "up" to you before is now "down" and vice versa. From your viewpoint it's like the moon has done a 180° mirror flip - so it's very hard to say which way around looks right.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #10 04-09-2007, 01:15 AM

I didn't see it. But then, I never go to the Home Page. I seem to forget this site has other pages other than this forum

I must go have a look at other parts of this site one day.

erick (Eric) · #11 04-09-2007, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gargoyle_Steve

Try looking at the moon when it's lower in the eastern sky, then later the same night have a look again when it's on it's way down in the west.

Same moon, same night - but what was "up" to you before is now "down" and vice versa. From your viewpoint it's like the moon has done a 180° mirror flip - so it's very hard to say which way around looks right.

Depends if you are standing on your head or not! I often look at the Moon or constellations and visualise tracking them from east to west without turning around! I was working with the constellation maps in the new book "Atlas of the Southern Night Sky" last Saturday night and noted how much I had to rotate the book to align the maps to what I saw in the sky. Upside down for the northern constellations, of course.

As is said:- "In space, no one can hear you scream..........'That's NOT UP!' "

niko · #12 04-09-2007, 10:12 AM

I look through a dob so everything's upside down anyway!

CoombellKid · #13 04-09-2007, 02:06 PM

I lay on our trampoline and can have the moon in any orientation I want.

regards,CS

Jarrod · #14 04-09-2007, 06:42 PM

i never noticed that it was not the right way up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by niko

I look through a dob so everything's upside down anyway!

i was thinking the same thing, the moon appears a differant way-up through differant telescopes. so although it's incorrect visually, it's accurate for someone observing with a newtonian, say.

radu5er · #15 04-09-2007, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erick

As is said:- "In space, no one can hear you scream..........'That's NOT UP!' "

Gee that was a scary book!

astroron (Ron) · #16 04-09-2007, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

I didn't see it. But then, I never go to the Home Page. I seem to forget this site has other pages other than this forum

I must go have a look at other parts of this site one day.

The Moon phase picture is on the left hand side of this page

Globular3 (Jeff) · #17 05-09-2007, 12:45 AM

Hello Everyone,
Thanks Iceman for confirming that no one is upset. I never realised how this could grow into such a big discussion. It's good to hear what everyone thinks too. I still believe that I haven't clearly explained my thoughts. So, I'm going to have another shot.

1. Waxing occurs when the Moon is lit from the left hand side (in Australia).
2. Waning occurs when the Moon is lit from the right hand side (in Australia).
3. The waning Moon sets with the unlit portion next to the western horizon (in Aust).
4. At the moment, the Moon is waning.
5. Therefore, I'm saying that I think the unlit portion should appear on the left hand side of the web site graphic.

Okay, I'm satisfied and feel that I've explained myself fully. Maybe we could use this emoticon for the phase (see below)?

WAXING <---

---> WANING (Joking!!

)

Well it was fun discussing it with you all and after all this, I don't really care anymore.

(HaHaHa)

All the best to you all and I look forward to reading tomorrow's replies.

Bobj · #18 05-09-2007, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo

When I originally did the moon phase thing, South was up. Then people said it's the wrong way around, so North is up. I agree with you - South should be up. But I can see it being confusing if it's depicted in southern hemisphere view when every other depiction of the moon is North up.

You'd have to take a poll on this one

Errrr....would that make it....a celestial poll????