https://github.com/apiverve/moon-tracker-python-tutorial
Moon position tracker that calculates altitude, azimuth, and distance using Python
https://github.com/apiverve/moon-tracker-python-tutorial
apiverve astronomy celestial cli coordinates moon moon-tracker python tutorial
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Moon position tracker that calculates altitude, azimuth, and distance using Python
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/apiverve/moon-tracker-python-tutorial
- Owner: apiverve
- License: mit
- Created: 2026-02-16T07:20:58.000Z (4 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-02-16T07:40:52.000Z (4 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-02-16T15:19:10.264Z (4 months ago)
- Topics: apiverve, astronomy, celestial, cli, coordinates, moon, moon-tracker, python, tutorial
- Language: Python
- Homepage: https://apiverve.com/marketplace/moonposition
- Size: 7.81 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# Moon Position Tracker | APIVerve API Tutorial
[](LICENSE)
[]()
[](https://python.org)
[](https://apiverve.com/marketplace/moonposition?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial)
A Python CLI tool to track the moon's position in the sky. Get altitude, azimuth, and distance from any location on Earth.
---
### Get Your Free API Key
This tutorial requires an APIVerve API key. **[Sign up free](https://dashboard.apiverve.com?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial)** - no credit card required.
---
## Features
- Track moon position from any coordinates
- Altitude above/below horizon
- Azimuth with compass direction
- Distance to the moon
- Support for custom date/time
- Pre-configured example locations
- Interactive CLI interface
## Quick Start
1. **Clone this repository**
```bash
git clone https://github.com/apiverve/moon-tracker-python-tutorial.git
cd moon-tracker-python-tutorial
```
2. **Install dependencies**
```bash
pip install -r requirements.txt
```
3. **Set your API key**
```bash
export APIVERVE_API_KEY=your-api-key-here
```
4. **Run the tracker**
```bash
python tracker.py
```
## Project Structure
```
moon-tracker-python-tutorial/
├── tracker.py # Main Python script
├── requirements.txt # Python dependencies
├── screenshot.jpg # Preview image
├── LICENSE # MIT license
├── .gitignore # Git ignore rules
└── README.md # This file
```
## How It Works
1. Select a location or enter coordinates
2. Optionally specify date and time
3. API calculates moon's position
4. Display altitude, azimuth, and distance
### The API Call
```python
response = requests.get('https://api.apiverve.com/v1/moonposition',
headers={'x-api-key': API_KEY},
params={
'lat': 37.7749,
'lon': -122.4194,
'date': '01-22-2026',
'time': '14:30'
}
)
```
## API Reference
**Endpoint:** `GET https://api.apiverve.com/v1/moonposition`
**Query Parameters:**
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
| `lat` | number | Yes | Latitude (-90 to 90) |
| `lon` | number | Yes | Longitude (-180 to 180) |
| `date` | string | No | Date (MM-DD-YYYY format) |
| `time` | string | No | Time (HH:MM format) |
**Example Response:**
```json
{
"status": "ok",
"error": null,
"data": {
"date": "01-22-2026",
"time": "14:30",
"coordinates": {
"latitude": 37.7749,
"longitude": -122.4194
},
"moon": {
"altitude": -0.407908976399288,
"azimuth": 1.4720499058762104,
"distance": 404332.68340679689
}
}
}
```
## Understanding the Data
| Field | Description |
|-------|-------------|
| `altitude` | Angle above/below horizon (radians). Positive = visible |
| `azimuth` | Compass direction (radians from north) |
| `distance` | Distance to moon in kilometers |
### Converting Radians to Degrees
```python
degrees = radians * (180 / 3.14159)
```
## Example Locations
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
|----------|----------|-----------|
| San Francisco | 37.7749 | -122.4194 |
| New York | 40.7128 | -74.0060 |
| London | 51.5074 | -0.1278 |
| Tokyo | 35.6762 | 139.6503 |
## Customization Ideas
- Add moon phase data
- Create visualization graph
- Add sunrise/sunset comparison
- Build web interface
- Track multiple celestial bodies
- Add notification for moonrise
## Related APIs
Explore more APIs at [APIVerve](https://apiverve.com/marketplace?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial):
- [Moon Phases](https://apiverve.com/marketplace/moonphases?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial) - Current moon phase
- [Sun Position](https://apiverve.com/marketplace/sunposition?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial) - Track the sun
- [Sunrise Sunset](https://apiverve.com/marketplace/sunrisesunset?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial) - Daily sun times
## Free Plan Note
This tutorial works with the free APIVerve plan. Some APIs may have:
- **Locked fields**: Premium response fields return `null` on free plans
- **Ignored parameters**: Some optional parameters require a paid plan
The API response includes a `premium` object when limitations apply. [Upgrade anytime](https://dashboard.apiverve.com/plans) to unlock all features.
## License
MIT - see [LICENSE](LICENSE)
## Links
- [Get API Key](https://dashboard.apiverve.com?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial) - Sign up free
- [APIVerve Marketplace](https://apiverve.com/marketplace?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial) - Browse 300+ APIs
- [Moon Position API](https://apiverve.com/marketplace/moonposition?utm_source=github&utm_medium=tutorial&utm_campaign=moon-tracker-python-tutorial) - API details