Our new moon simulator is available in TPE Web 3.17 (up now on the beta site).
It’s super easy to access: go to a time when the Moon is up, and you’'ll see it on the map top right - click the expand button to enjoy in all its full screen glory!
It also simulates lunar eclipses with accurate lighting calibrated against my small library of past eclipse photos:
Release Notes
3.17.0 Feb 3 2026
Added
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Moon Simulator: New interactive 3D Moon visualization feature
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Real-time rendering of the Moon with accurate phase, libration, and position
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Lunar feature labels (mare, craters) with level-of-detail filtering based on zoom
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Camera controls with azimuth/altitude gauges and double-click reset
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Playback controls for time animation with multiple speed options
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Display options toolbar (sky gradient, labels, shadow rings, horizon)
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Lunar eclipse Earth shadow visualization with umbra/penumbra cones
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Lunar eclipse contact time buttons (P1, U1, U2, Max, U3, U4, P4)
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Below horizon indicator when Moon is not visible
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Camera direction overlay showing azimuth and altitude
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Day navigation controls for quick date changes
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Lunar distance and libration data display
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Mini 3D Moon preview in simulator popup on map
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Date-based access restrictions for subscription tiers (Free: 1 day lookahead, Supporter: 5 days, PRO: unrestricted)
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Solar eclipse redirect message when viewing during a solar eclipse
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Error boundaries for graceful error handling
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Help links to support documentation
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Hide Simulators setting: New option to hide Moon and Solar Eclipse Simulators from the UI
Changed
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Solar Eclipse Simulator mini view: Simplified layout for cleaner appearance
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3D engine upgrade: updated with modern color management
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Migrated to physically-correct lighting units\
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Fixed shadow corruption with persistent Canvas architecture
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Improved terrain loading
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Fixed LOD oscillation in AzimuthIndicator