During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Saturday December 15th. At this time the half-illuminated moon will set between 2300-0000 local standard time for observers in mid-northern latitudes. This will compromise evening observations of meteors but the more active morning hours will be unaffected. As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will set later and later, limiting the time of truly dark sky to the hours just before dawn.