MoonPhase - moon info app review: everything you ever wanted to know about the moon, and then some
Introduction
MoonPhase - moon info is an iPhone and iPod touch app that tracks the phases of the moon for those interested in astronomy and astrology. This app appears as a single moon, or monthly calendar, and uses your specific location to give accurate phase information. For example, when I opened the app to take the screenshots tonight, the app howled at me because there is a full moon.
The best iPad apps for journalistsDetailed Information
MoonPhase - moon info gives detailed information about the moon phase. For example, tonight is a full moon, so every time I go to the moon phase screen it howls at me. This is the only sound effect I have found, which is great for me as I usually keep my volume muted and prefer the silence.
The best bluetooth apps for iPadOn the day I write this, the information is a moon set at 7:01 this morning and rise at 4:51 this afternoon. It also tells me that the sun rose at 7:55 and set at 5:01. If you want to know what sign the moon is in, it is presently in Gemini at 22°, to the SouthEast at a Sharp Elevation. There is even more information provided if you want to know it, and even MORE if you scroll through the screens. For example, we are presently in the Oak Moon; you'll also see the moon’s location, its age, and Ephemeris.
Compass
MoonPhase - moon info is an app for use at night. It is not too bright, and includes a compass in case you need to set out to the cardinal directions after sunset. The compass works very similarly to the built-in, but is less finicky without having to do the figure eight to reset it on launch.
The best magazine apps for iPadI also appreciate the detail of the moon in this app. The developers included the craters on the moon’s surface, so you get a real time view of the moon itself without need for a telescope.
On the monthly calendar, you can see the moon’s phase throughout the month. It has the classic new, full, and half moon symbols, but again includes the moon’s actual image with the detailed craters in miniature to fit on the calendar. Beautiful!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A lot of information provided for each day of the moon’s cycle
- Beautifully mapped and illustrated moon surface that changes each day according to the actual appearance of the moon
- Includes sun and moon rise and set
- Includes a compass for after dark use that is dim rather than burning your eyes in the dark
Cons
- Can’t turn off the wolf howl which can be quite disruptive
Final Thoughts
MoonPhase - moon info is an iPhone and iPod touch app that tracks the moon’s phases and more. It goes into great detail and includes much more than I would ever need. I love the dimmed compass for navigating through the bush on my night hikes, and appreciate the thought that they put into this. The built-in is bright and without dimming it makes it so that your eyes have to adjust between the darkness and the compass screen constantly. Thank you to the developers for thinking of this! It's a great app, and worth the $1.99!
