Google Sky Map

[hstroph]

It's about an hour before local sunset, and there's a moon in sky approaching full moon in a few days. I point the rear camera on my Nexus 4 towards it, using Google Sky Map app, and the moon doesn't show. I have to point the rear camera lens substantially east and below the horizon to view the phase of the moon that is clearly visible within sight.

Does anyone have an idea of what's wrong with this application please?

 

[funkylogik]

sounds like its something to do with the time set on your phone or your local time-zone. Either that or your sensors are miscalibrated. does your gps and compass work ok?

 

[hstroph]

Thanks, the idea of timing also occurred to me after posting, as the app-indicated position in the sky would be some hours prior to the actual position at the time.

The Nexus 4 is configured for "Automatic date & time" and "Automatic time zone", so I'm not sure how anything further could be done wrt clock time. I use a 24-hour clock, but that shouldn't matter, one thinks.

GPS works properly, as yesterday (using Google Maps) it provided me with the exact parking spot and vehicle/phone orientation in a reasonable-sized parking area.

Not sure what else to consider here ...

 

[funkylogik]

Try downloading a compass app and see if it gets the direction right. i use 24hr clock too mate and skymap seems fine :thumbup:

 

[umataro42]

Thanks, the idea of timing also occurred to me after posting, as the app-indicated position in the sky would be some hours prior to the actual position at the time.

The Nexus 4 is configured for "Automatic date & time" and "Automatic time zone", so I'm not sure how anything further could be done wrt clock time. I use a 24-hour clock, but that shouldn't matter, one thinks.

GPS works properly, as yesterday (using Google Maps) it provided me with the exact parking spot and vehicle/phone orientation in a reasonable-sized parking area.

Not sure what else to consider here ...

Just to be sure, do you have the Sky App set to determine location by GPS, and not network? I had it set to GPS, but it seemed to have reset to "by network" after an update.

 

[hstroph]

Just to be sure, do you have the Sky App set to determine location by GPS, and not network? I had it set to GPS, but it seemed to have reset to "by network" after an update.

"Always use GPS" is still checked, yet I don't find a GPS notification icon present.

Compass direction indications are correct within the app, according to such things as NP, SP and directions stated on the horizon line.

 

[MacFett]

Did you do the figure 8 reset pattern?

 

[hstroph]

Did you do the figure 8 reset pattern?

Well, I hadn't heard of that technique before, and after searching for it I find "Hold the device at arms length and move it in a figure eight pattern."

Even though it makes no sense, it appears that the sun is now in (roughly) the correct position, given the effort to see the screen with the sun behind it. I'll check the indicated position several minutes after local sunset.

Thank you for that hint.

 

[MacFett]

Well, I hadn't heard of that technique before, and after searching for it I find "Hold the device at arms length and move it in a figure eight pattern."

It, I thought was in the app somewhere that said to do that. It may have been removed.

 

[funkylogik]

id heard of it before but never had to use it. Is there like a youtube vid or anything explaining exactly whats meant by a figure8 motion?

 

[dustwun77]

I found this, How to calibrate HTC Desire's Compass - YouTube

Interesting sound track too!

 

[funkylogik]

Lmao thanks mate. Yeah..umm.. interesting sound track

 

[hstroph]

At local sunset time Sky Map is indicating the proper positions. By way of celebration: That Lucky 'Ol Sun.mp3

Thanks.

 

[funkylogik]

LOL thanks mate :beer: