Changing Maps and Map Defaults

It is easy to select from a variety of different map orientations and styles. To make map changes, click Map on the Lunar Menu, or click the Map Icon on the Tool Bar, to open the Map Display Manager. The Map Display Manager is divided into three distinct tabbed sections:

1. Orientation

2. Style

3. Geology

Orientation

The four selections under Orientation let you choose a map that matches your telescope view. Use your mouse to highlight the circle next to your selection, and that orientation will appear on your screen. The most recent orientation selection becomes the new default map, the next time the program is opened.

North Up

The North Up map is the image correct, or (naked eye) view for Northern Hemisphere observers. It is also the correct map orientation when observing the moon through binoculars, terrestrial-spotting scopes, or astronomical telescopes utilizing image correct diagonals. Southern Hemisphere observers should use this map when observing with Newtonian Reflectors. The North Up Texture Map, (with grid lines visible), is initially opened as the program’s default map.

North Up Reversed

The North Up Reversed map matches the view of Northern Hemisphere observers, as seen through refractors, and compound telescopes, such as Schmidt-Cassagrains (SCTs) and Maksutovs, utilizing 90-degree star diagonals.

South Up

The South Up map matches the view of Northern Hemisphere observers, as seen through a Newtonian Reflector. This map also provides an image correct, or (naked eye) view, for Southern Hemisphere observers.

South Up Reversed

The South Up Reversed map matches the view of Southern Hemisphere observers, as seen through refractors and compound telescopes, such as Schmidt-Cassagrains (SCTs) and Maksutovs, utilizing 90-degree star diagonals.

Zenith Angle New for Ver. 4.0

Highlighting (checking) the box next to Show Zenith Angle, will tip the map to match the actual angle of view of the moon as seen from your observing location, provided that the moon is visible above your local horizon. If the moon is not above your local horizon, a message will alert you to the fact that Zenith Angle is not currently available.

The program initially opens with Zenith Angle OFF as the default. Checking the Show Zenith Angle Box changes Zenith Angle ON to the new map default, unless you de-select it to turn it off again.

Adding Zenith Angle will change the map position rather dramatically during times close to moonrise or moonset, as the map view tips to match the true angle of view of the moon as seen from your observing location.

Lunar North will be rotated counter-clockwise near moonrise, and will be rotated clockwise near moonset.

Moonrise (with Zenith Angle) North-up View Moonset (with Zenith Angle)

It is useful to activate the Compass when you are using Zenith Angle, since it will show you the deviation from North at a glance.

Automatic Map Formatting

You can switch the display map to any orientation or style, without losing your personal settings, such as: image scale, map position, or labeling. This is a huge advantage when observing with different telescope designs.