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If you have questions, suggestions, or run into any issues with the Sol et Luna app, we're here to help.
Contact
Email us at support@navapps.org
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why is this a Watch only app?
A:Both iphone and Watch are technically fantastic devices. But for outdoors users you need to be careful not to damage or lose them !!. To date I have never lost or damaged any Apple Watch and for my hiking/sailing activities they are more than sufficient for my navigational needs. The watch for me is simply more convenient and intuitive. Only GPS is required. No internet needed. - Q: What the difference with this app compared to Arcus Solis and Arcus Luna?
A: The Arcus apps were a first attempt at understanding each planets path. This app combines both together to show their inter-relationship with each other. For the outdoors navigators the ability to see both references is useful especially during the day when part of the sky is obscured but you have the chance of seeing either the sun or moon. While the sun repeats its path daily the Moon is far more complex and takes about 29.5 days to transverse between New Moons. This affects its visibility in the sky - both day and night and has a great effect on our tidal movements on Earth. The app is intended for curious folk who wish to understand better this relationship between nature and our Sun/Moon. This app has a more comprehensive display of data and it is hoped that users experiment with the orbit settings and the general settings to customise the app. - Q: What is the purpose of this app?
A: This app is intended to assist outdoor explorers who need to confirm their direction of travel. It complements GPS devices in that it offers an alternative method of calculating direction by using the moon as a reference. Its companion app - Solar Path uses the Sun for a similar reason. Both offer a simple, reliable and practical way to confirm what direction the user is heading in. The Moons Azimuth is calculated to enable the user to cross check the accuracy of their electronic or analog magnetic compasses. The Moon as is the Sun is not affected by outside interference and providing it is visible to the eye offers a consistent method of assisting your orientation. Plus its fun to understand its orbit, its various phases and illumination rates. Sometimes the user can see both the sun and the moon and this gives us the opportunity to use both azimuths. - Q: How can I use the app in practice?
A: A competent navigator never relies solely on one source of information. They should cross check their compass with other sources. This can include referring to the N/S vertical lines on a paper map or comparing the bearings of two compasses. As the Azimuth of a planet is reliable and not subject to external interference the user can see what the difference is comparing the Moons Azimuth is to what their compass indicates. Converting their compass reading to True will confirm its accuracy. Note that the Apple Compass app can output its heading either in Magnetic or True. - Q: What is an Azimuth?
A: To avoid confusion the term Azimuth is used. Similar to the terms heading or bearing, the term Azimuth means the compass direction of an object measured clockwise from true north. It is widely used in astronomy as it avoids the possible confusion with applying magnetic variation, which varies widely on Earth. . - Q: Why is the Azimuth off by a few degrees?
A: The estimated accuracy is good for a few degrees and minutes. As the intention was to design a lightweight app that does not use online resources there will be some difference between web sources and this app. As its geared towards outdoor users it is certainly accurate for all practical purposes. Variations can occur due to device sensors, GPS accuracy, or local atmospheric conditions. - Q: Can I use the app offline?
A: The app relies on the watches GPS signal for accurate results. It does not need any internet connection. - Q:What is Lunar Noon?
A: Its the same as Solar Noon. At this time the Moon has reached its highest altitude. At that point it will bear due South or 180°. Its a quick visual reference that commonly used by sailors to double check their magnetic steering compasses. It is also known as its Meridian Passage in common with all the planets and stars. - Q: What time zone does the app use?
A: All times are shown in your current Local time. This relies on the iphone settings which determines your Local Time Zone.
Documentation
For more detailed information, please refer to our main app page and Privacy Policy.