# Moon Phase Photo Maps

> Detailed lunar phase maps with named features based on actual photographs. (iPhone/iPad app by Astrovisuals.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-phase-photo-maps/id411816389 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Astrovisuals](https://appshunter.io/developer/411816392)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 62 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-01-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-phase-photo-maps/id411816389/reviews.md

## What is Moon Phase Photo Maps?

Not just a Moon Map! Rather a series of actual photos of the phases of the Moon with prominent features marked and named. This makes it easy to identify features on the Moon as you are seeing them as they really are, not as an idealized representation on a map. Each Map gives priority to features on the terminator (the line between day and night on the Moon), as the low sun angle makes them stand out more. As craters recede from the terminator they become less prominent and are generally not indicated.

Opening screen shows the current Moon - navigate to other phases by swiping to each side then tap to reveal the detailed map of each phase. Layers can be added or removed depending on your requirements:
* For beginning observers using binoculars, just the names of seas can be revealed in Latin or English.
* For telescope users, the names of craters and other major features can be revealed.
* For advanced telescope users, an extra layer reveals smaller details such as Faults (F), Rilles (R) and Valleys (V).

Overall Features:
* 30 images of the Moon, 18 of the waxing moon, the Full Moon and then 11 of the waning Moon (there are less of these as they generally occur in the morning hours and are less often observed).
* Images can be shown North up or South up depending on telescope settings and location.
* Maps can be shown mirror reversed if required for your telescope orientation.
* Search for major feature names of waxing and waning Moon.

## Key features

- Actual Moon phase photographs
- Prominent features marked and named
- Detailed maps for different observer levels
- Customizable detail layers (seas, craters, faults)
- Adjustable image orientation (North/South up)
- Mirror-reversed map option
- Searchable feature names

## Chart rankings

- #191 in Top Paid · Reference (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-phase-photo-maps/id411816389/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Brilliant Moon App

*2026-03-28*

Update - still the best in my opinion.

### 4/5 — Won’t start

*2025-08-15*

I installed and deleted because the app won’t open

### 3/5 — Suddenly stopped working..,

*2024-12-14*

Suddenly won't open. Pity as it's a great app and I use it all the time to compliment an atlas. Are we expecting an update?

### 5/5 — Unique Approach to Moon Geography

*2023-08-02*

I have several moon atlases, but this one is special. Using photo mosaics you are shown the moon as it appears today with important features named. These views include the visible surface during different phases. You can select the features you want to see. No one else provides this as far as I know.

As a retired science teacher I can recommend this as fun and educational for astronomers of all ages. It is useful for moon watching with telescope or binoculars. This is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

### 3/5 — It’s ok; not sure it will be your Goto source

*2022-03-10*

Look up structure such as Rupes Recta. Find that in the index. Then select to show it; the app displays a view of the Rupes Recta vicinity but Rupes Recta is NOT listed and not in view. Fiddling one finds an annotation “ R” but doesnt designate the name; just an R. Well there’s two Rs in the region which is which?  Anyway one just muddles along w/ the app.  My primary gripe is the app doesn’t rotate

### 4/5 — Nice!

*2013-10-06*

Very nice program. Simple to use. Does just what it says it will do. I especially like the ability to flip and/or mirror according to your telescope type. No having to rotate your moon map and decipher upside-down labels. Just one small negative: it only works in portrait on my ipad2 (no landscape).

### 5/5 — Excellent idea, excellent implementation

*2013-05-13*

Bought the app tonight.  Does exactly what it says it does, and does it well.  I have no complaints.  Automatically went to a map that perfectly matched what I was looking at.  Just had to adjust the S up setting to match my telescope.

### 3/5 — Best Idea; Incomplete Implementation

*2013-04-21*

The only Moon maps that clearly label what is visible along the terminator unfortunately lack further information. After learning the name of a feature, you must consult another reference for further details. Brief biographical or historical information about each name would be a big improvement.  

Still, I could identify nothing from other Moon maps, but quickly identified the large, lit crater extending well into the dark side of the Moon on the night I bought the app: The Jura Mountains surrounding the Bay of Rainbows on Moon Day 10.5. Satisfaction!

### 4/5 — Looks Great

*2011-04-12*

I haven't gotten into the field with this, and from the weather report don't think I will soon, but this will be a very useful program.  When we observe we normally "walk" the terminator from top to bottom identifying all the craters along the way.  I appreciate that I can set the view to match that of my Newtonian reflector and don't have to learn to read upside down as the labels are rotated.
I would like a little more zoom and names of those reams on the dark side of the Moon that are the first and last to catch light.  I know I get a bigger picture in portrait mode but I would like to be able to put the iPad in my lap locked in landscape mode so I don't have to be as worried about it slipping between my legs.

## Frequently asked questions about Moon Phase Photo Maps

### What is Moon Phase Photo Maps?

Moon Phase Photo Maps provides detailed maps of the Moon based on actual photographs, highlighting prominent features like seas and craters. It's designed to help users identify lunar features as they observe them.

### How does Moon Phase Photo Maps show lunar features?

The app prioritizes features along the terminator, the line between day and night on the Moon, where they are most visible. Different layers can be enabled to show seas, craters, and smaller details like faults and rilles.

### What lunar phases are included in Moon Phase Photo Maps?

The app includes 30 images of the Moon, covering 18 phases of the waxing moon, the full moon, and 11 phases of the waning moon.

### Can I adjust the orientation of the maps in Moon Phase Photo Maps?

Yes, maps can be displayed North up or South up to match telescope settings and location. You can also choose a mirror-reversed view if required for your telescope orientation.

### How much does Moon Phase Photo Maps cost?

Moon Phase Photo Maps is a paid application, available for a one-time purchase of $2.99.

### What devices is Moon Phase Photo Maps compatible with?

Moon Phase Photo Maps is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### How often is Moon Phase Photo Maps updated?

The latest version is 1.5, and the app was last updated on October 13, 2025. It was initially released on January 13, 2011.

### Does Moon Phase Photo Maps have ads?

No, Moon Phase Photo Maps does not contain advertisements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.5 — 2025-10-13

Minor updates for iOS26

### 1.4 — 2025-10-02

Fix app crash on launch. 
UI improvements.
Minor bug fixes
Updated for iOS26

### 1.3 — 2016-10-14

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Updated for iOS10

### 1.2 — 2013-08-30

Bug fixes and presentation improvements

### 1.1 — 2011-09-16

* Added red filter option for use when observing

## Apps similar to Moon Phase Photo Maps

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [一沐考编考编库事业单位ABCDE类-2023最新版](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abcde-2023/id1621671540) | — | Free | Reference |
| [Catholic Jerusalem Bible+Audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catholic-jerusalem-bible-plus-audio/id1605531940) | 4.4 (31) | Free | Reference |
| [Angelology](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/angelology/id1607575000) | 5.0 (4) | Free | Reference |
| [北京版小学英语-学生最新同步点读口语专家](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1616159800) | 4.0 (4) | Free | Reference |
| [Women Indonesian Bible + Audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/women-indonesian-bible-plus-audio/id1606893280) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Reference |
| [Telugu Bible + Audio Mp3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/telugu-bible-plus-audio-mp3/id1606887420) | 4.5 (17) | Free | Reference |

## More apps by Astrovisuals

- [Star Charts by Wil Tirion](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-charts-by-wil-tirion/id411822062)
- [Moon Chart](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-chart/id764926089)
- [Star Disc Planisphere](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-disc-planisphere/id953453599)

All apps by Astrovisuals: https://appshunter.io/developer/411816392

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*