Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Monday January 14th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight local standard time (LST) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will set later in the morning, encroaching on the more active morning hours.

During this period the moon will reach its new phase on Saturday January 5th. At this time the moon will be located near the sun and will be invisible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will set long before the more active morning hours arrive.

During this period the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Saturday December 29th. At this time the half-illuminated moon will rise near midnight local standard time and will remain above the horizon the remainder of the night. Under these conditions successful meteor sessions can be held as long as you face away from the moon.

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.

During this period the moon will wax from a slender crescent phase to nearly half illuminated. This will be a great time to view meteor activity as the moon will have set by the time the more active morning hours arrive. The moon will be present during the evening hours but successful meteor observing is still possible during this time by simply keeping the moon out of your field of view.