Current Moon Phase Orientation

[astro744]

Since IceInSpace is a southern hemisphere site is it possible to change the default current Moon phase to southern hemisphere orientation?

As it stands the Moon phase view is northern hemisphere unless one logs in after which it switches to southern hemisphere. Why not have the northern hemisphere visitors be presented with our view of the Moon and have it change for them to northern view only when they log in?

I often browse without logging in as would many others I would think and the Moon just looks wrong each time I see it. Only a minor detail I know but an important one I feel. Leave the words 'Southern Hemisphere' under Current Moon and its clear to all. Thanks for your understanding.

[mswhin63]

The UserCP has this option. "Edit Options" down the bottom

[astro744]

Yes I have this set to Automatic and I get the southern hemisphere moon view when I log in . However I wanted to know why the southern hemisphere view is not the default view when visiting the site without logging in since IceInSpace is a southern hemisphere site.

I often browse the site without logging in and the Moon is upside down. Why not have the northern hemisphere visitors be forced to login to get their view instead of us downunder?

[mswhin63]

I suppose Mike would best answer this, maybe has no reference point without logging in. Whether IP address can be used this will depend on the forum site server software.

[mojo]

The reason the moon is north up by default, is because that's the orientation that most people expect to see it, whether you're in the northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere.

Although I do agree that there is an argument to be made to have the moon south up by default on our site, for now I'm leaving it in that orientation. I may add an option to spin it if you're not logged in but for now, my apologies, it'll have to stay as it is because I'm seriously flat out with work.

[astro744]

Not sure I agree with the statement about seeing the Moon the same in the northern or southern hempisphere but I think I know what you mean (same as why an atlas always has north up and those maps with Antarctica at the top look ridiculous).

However, the Current Moon Phase graphic is just that, a phase indicator and not a detailed map and as a phase indicator it is incorrect for southern hemisphere observers unless one logs in.

There's no rush or even need to fix it but it would be nice. It was just an observation and I was curious why we favoured the northern hemisphere view. It's not going to stop me enjoying a wonderful site and forum. Keep up the great work!