Chasing the Moon Chart

Track the Moon across the sky during National Astronomy Week! We have a simple black/white version of the chart for you print and use at home, which includes full instructions (see below).

We’ll be filling in the chart below each day. Here it is showing the position and appearance of the Moon yesterday, for anyone who was unable to observe it for themselves. Where will it be tonight?

How to Use the Chart:

Each evening, pop outside to spot the Moon. Mark its position compared to the planets and stars, and colour in that day’s Moon at the bottom of the chart to show its phase and appearance. The curved, dotted line shows the Ecliptic – this is the plane of the solar system and the Moon will always be seen somewhere close to here (as are all the planets and Sun).

Be sure to print out the chart ready to start on 1 February, and maybe think about the best place to observe from. Clue: the Moon will be in the same part of the sky as Venus and Saturn on the first night.

Download as a printable pdf with instructions for use (it looks like the image below).

But what if it’s cloudy?

We will post the completed chart on this website the morning after each date, so you can copy the Moon’s position and appearance from there if you need to. But it’s better to do it all from one viewing location if you can, as the Moon’s position against the stars will vary a little depending on where you are in the UK, as well as the time of day that you choose to observe it.

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