{"id":51881,"date":"2023-11-22T13:47:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T13:47:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/77a87c7d-9bb2-4dc0-8997-c85d6fbb5dac"},"modified":"2023-11-22T14:32:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T14:32:37","slug":"make-a-moon-phase-calculator-and-calendar","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/make-a-moon-phase-calculator-and-calendar\/","title":{"rendered":"Make a Moon phase calculator and calendar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Make a mechanical instrument that calculates and displays the phase of the Moon for any chosen day of the year. <\/p>

By Mark Parrish\n <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 22 November 2023 at 13:47 PM<\/p>

\n\n

This month\u2019s project is Moon phase calculator, a mechanical instrument that \u2018calculates\u2019 and displays the predicted phase of the Moon for any chosen day of the year.<\/p>

Our design uses a GT2 timing belt and pulleys \u2013 commonly used in printers and readily available online \u2013 to generate the movement<\/p>

And we have provided downloadable plans and extra photos and diagrams below, so the build should be straightforward.<\/p>

To use the Moon phase calculator turn the year ring so that the wire pointer aligns with the date you are interested in.<\/p>

When you then look into the viewing tube you will see that the painted Moon ball has turned to reveal the predicted phase.<\/p>

For more astronomy advice, read our guide on how to observe the Moon<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Extra materials to aid your build<\/strong><\/h2>