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macstu23 · 08-17-06, 11:40 PM

The moon in SH3 does vary in elevation, and as far as I'm aware, shows the correct phase for the given date.

The moons apparent larger size when close to the equator is as Pablo says, an illusion, partly down to the lens effect caused by our own atmosphere, but also because we have more objects close by to compare it with when viewing it at a low angle. The moon does have an elliptical orbit around the Earth, taking two weeks (obviously) to swing between apogee and perigee but the apparent difference in size is only around 10% over this two week cycle...Barely noticeable from Earth, so I dont see much need to model this in SH3. Nice thought however. Here's a Nasa sequence showing a complete Lunar cycle or 'Lunation';

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap991108.html

I wouldn't mind seeing some shooting stars myself...Increasing in frequency during the correct annual cycles....but I'll keep dreaming.

08-17-06, 11:40 PM	#3
macstu23 Soundman Join Date: May 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 143 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	The moon in SH3 does vary in elevation, and as far as I'm aware, shows the correct phase for the given date. The moons apparent larger size when close to the equator is as Pablo says, an illusion, partly down to the lens effect caused by our own atmosphere, but also because we have more objects close by to compare it with when viewing it at a low angle. The moon does have an elliptical orbit around the Earth, taking two weeks (obviously) to swing between apogee and perigee but the apparent difference in size is only around 10% over this two week cycle...Barely noticeable from Earth, so I dont see much need to model this in SH3. Nice thought however. Here's a Nasa sequence showing a complete Lunar cycle or 'Lunation'; http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap991108.html I wouldn't mind seeing some shooting stars myself...Increasing in frequency during the correct annual cycles....but I'll keep dreaming.