Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period, the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Friday November 11th. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees east of the sun and sets near 22:00 local standard time (LST) on November 10th. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set during the early evening hours but will not spoil meteor observations as it sets long before the more active hours arrive.

During this period, the moon reaches its new phase on Friday November 5th. At that time the moon lies near the sun in the sky and is invisible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours but will not spoil meteor observations as long as you keep the moon out of your field of view.

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Thursday October 28th. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees west of the sun in the sky and rises near 23:00 (on 27 Oct.) local summer time. This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the early evening hours and will spoil the sky the remainder of the night. Late in this period meteor observers can view activity during the evening hours prior to moon rise.

During this period, the moon reaches its full phase on Wednesday October 20th. At that time the moon lies opposite the sun in the sky and remains above the horizon all night long. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set during the early morning hours, allowing a small window of opportunity to view under dark conditions between moon set and dawn.