The Moon Wheel is a true lunar phase calculator. Unlike a ‘Perpetual calendar’ where you must reference another calendar or google in order to set it each month, the Moon Wheel can by itself be set to any year and month up to 2080 to display the phase of the moon on every day of that month.
First set the year using the outer dial. Then the inner dial labeled ‘Year of the Decade’ is divided into sections that correspond to the last digit of the year. For instance year 2024 would use section 4 to select the month. Select the month by centering a white line perfectly within the selected months window as shown in the diagram in the center. Then the main dial will display the phase of the moon on every day of that month. Month to month the wheel is only turned a fraction of a degree, this scale allows for that accuracy and just looks cool.
In months with less than 31 days including leap years the remainders can be ignored. While fairly accurate this is a kinetic sculpture intended to be enjoyed visually and show the cycle over time, not intended for navigating open water as I can only guarantee accuracy within a day or two.
This is a smaller wall hanging version of my original CNC cut design. It functions exactly the same and is actually easier to see the settings even at its smaller size of 12″ diameter. It is fully laser cut in one process so it looks a bit more modern than the original which was designed to look like an antique.
Check the shop to see the original as well as options in smaller sizes and feel free to ask about custom engravings or stain color or any other custom requests.
This is my own original design, powered by my own equations, based on nothing else that has ever existed and I have not sold the plans or design to anybody.
