North or south up?

Forums Jupiter Why do we still show the images upside down? North or south up?

#584690
Chris Hooker
Participant

For what it’s worth, in most cases I don’t think it matters which way up an image or an observation is presented, provided the directions are indicated (or obvious). The exception, I would say, is the Moon, which we in the northern hemisphere see as north up without optical aid. Presenting lunar images or drawings with south up is just being contrary for no good reason, although observers in the southern hemisphere would no doubt say the opposite! The argument that we should stick to the tradition is very weak, given that the instruments and techniques in use nowadays are far beyond what those who established the tradition could even have dreamed of.