How to Use the Phoenix Telescope to Track the Moon’s Phases

Have you ever found yourself gazing at the night sky, wondering why the Moon sometimes looks like a glowing disc and other times just a delicate crescent? Well, tracking the Moon’s phases is one of the most fascinating ways to dip your toes into astronomy, and the Phoenix Refractor Telescope makes the experience all the more magical. 

Whether you are a curious beginner or someone who just got your telescope because you are deeply fascinated by the night sky, here’s your friendly guide to using the Phoenix Telescope to follow the Moon’s monthly journey. 

Step 1: Know the Moon’s Schedule

When it is about tracking the moon’s phases, timing matters. The Moon goes through eight primary phases every 29.5 days, from the new moon to the full moon and back. The best time to observe it is during the waxing crescent to full moon phases. That’s when shadows from the Sun give the Moon’s craters and mountains real depth. You can use a lunar calendar app or even the celestial calendar that comes in your Phoenix Telescope kit from The Pie Matrix to keep track of this. 

Step 2: Set Up the Phoenix Like a Pro

Don’t worry, you don’t need an astrophysics degree to get started. The Phoenix Telescope is blissfully beginner-friendly. Just pop open the tripod (you can adjust it to your preferred height), attach the optical tube, align your Alt-Azimuth mount, and you are good to go. 

Make sure that you are in a spot with minimal light pollution, like a rooftop or your backyard, and aim the Red Dot Finder toward the Moon. 

Step 3: Choose the Right Eyepiece

Your Phoenix Telescope comes with three eyepieces- 20mm, 12.5mm, and 6m, plus a 3X Barlow lens. For a wide view of the Moon, start with the 20mm. Once you have got a clear image, switch to the 12.5mm or even the 6mm to zoom in on craters, ridges, or the terminator (the shadow line that beautifully outlines the Moon’s features). And while you are at it, don’t forget the Moon filter- it softens the brightness so your eyes can soak in all that detail without squinting. 

Step 4: Snap and Track

Attach your smartphone adapter, focus carefully, and click away. Capture each phase of the Moon through your Phoenix and create your very own lunar diary. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the Moon evolve night after night, from the first silver shine to the glorious full moon, and you are going to love every bit of it! 

Conclusion

The Phoenix isn’t just a telescope, it’s your personal time machine to lunar wonders. With just a little practice and patience, you will not only track the Moon’s phases but fall in love with the quiet thrill of skywatching. Want to get your very first Phoenix Refractor Telescope? Shop now at The Pie Matrix today!