desk device – A new project by Karsten Mueller turns the Moon into a small desk display. Using an ESP32-S3, 3D-printed case, and software that accounts for local time, latitude, and longitude, it renders an approximation of how the Moon would look—even when it’s hidden or h
Most people take the Moon for granted—right up until they remember it isn’t always the same, that it changes slowly, and that the Sun’s light is what gradually paints it.
A project by Karsten Mueller brings that idea closer to home with a tiny “Moon on your desk” device. It’s built around a circular display, an ESP32-S3, and a simple 3D-printed case—small enough to live on a workbench, but designed to make you notice the sky’s slow rhythm.
The display isn’t just a moon-phase indicator. The software takes your local time. latitude. and longitude into account. then creates an approximation of what the Moon would look like from your location at that moment. The point isn’t whether you can actually see it. The image is meant to reflect the view you’d have even if the Moon is obscured by Earth or barely visible in daylight.
Mueller’s first version used a photograph of the Moon that he personally snapped. There’s also an option to pull the imagery from NASA, giving the project a more flexible source while keeping the same real-time, location-based rendering.
The original write-up is in German, but there’s also an English page for the project on Hackaday.io. If you want to build your own, the source is available on GitHub.
Moon phase display ESP32-S3 circular display 3D printed case Hackaday.io GitHub NASA imagery latitude and longitude astronomy gadgets
So it’s basically a moon calendar but on a desk? Kinda neat.
Wait I thought the Moon phase thing was just like, the calendar and vibes. But it says it uses your latitude/longitude so it’s like… accurate accurate? Also the “even if it’s hidden” part sounds like they’re predicting what you can’t see which feels spooky for no reason.
If it’s using NASA imagery then how is it “approximation” and not the real thing? Like NASA already has the right moon texture right? Unless it’s like faking it with math. I don’t get it. Still, I’d buy one for my office desk even if it’s off by a day or whatever.
That is actually cool but also why does it need to know my exact location?? The Moon is the Moon everywhere, unless I’m missing something. I can see my phone already tells me the phase, so this is more like a gadget flex. Still though, a little circle moon display would be adorable and I’d probably stare at it more than I should.