Lunar Observation Support System Using Smartphone AR for Astronomy Education

It is possible to improve learners’ understanding of the concept of lunar phases by using Observation based Learning (OBL). In this research, Smartphone Augmented Reality (AR) technology was used to develop a multiviewpoint AR-based mobile learning (M-VARML) system for moon observation that can be used in the real world environment. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of our system. Participants were given five moon observation tasks, which they had to perform manually and using the M-VARML system. After each task, they were given follow-up questionnaires on the usefulness of the functions in the system. Finally, they were asked about the operational usability and the effect our system had in motivating them to pursue lunar observation. The results show that the M-VARML system is effective in improving the observation and learning of students and in enhancing their motivation to pursue lunar learning.