Pro tip: do you plan your viewing around moon phase or just go out whenever?

I used to just step outside any clear night, but after a trip to Cherry Springs State Park last summer I totally changed my approach. The park ranger there told me they schedule their big events around the new moon because even a sliver of moonlight washes out faint galaxies and nebulas. Now I check a moon phase app before I even grab my chair, but some of my buddies argue that a half moon is perfect for looking at craters and mountain ranges. What's your take on this, do you plan around the moon or just wing it?

2 comments

2 Comments

charlie_allen5d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly I just check the moon phase so I know whether I'm gonna be mad at myself for lugging my dob out for nothing lol. My neighbor swears by lunar observing during a full moon but last time I tried that I couldn't even see Jupiter without it looking like a flashlight was pointed at my eye. Moon's a total diva, gotta work around her schedule or she ruins the whole night.

adam_robinson5d agoOG Member

Last full moon I tried Saturn and it looked like a dirty marble, thanks for nothing @charlie_allen.