Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Saturday July 31st. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees west of the sun and rises near midnight local summer time (on August 1st). As the week progresses the waning crescent moon rises later each morning, allowing a better view of the active morning sky as glare from the moon subsides.

During this period, the moon reaches its full phase on Saturday July 24th. At that time the moon lies near opposite the sun and is above the horizon all night long. As the week progresses the waning gibbous moon rises later each night, allowing early evening observing under dark skies later next week.

During this period, the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Saturday July 17th. At this time the moon lies near 90 degrees east of the sun and sets near midnight local summer time (LST). As the week progresses the waxing...

During this period, the moon waxes from its new phase to nearly 50% illuminated. This weekend the slender crescent moon will set not long after sunset, allowing the remainder of the night to be free of interfering moonlight. As the week progresses the moon will begin to interfere with evening meteor observing.

During this period, the moon reaches its new phase on Friday July 9th. At that time the moon is located near the sun and is invisible at night. This weekend a bright crescent moon will illuminate the morning sky. Successful meteor watches can still be held at this time as long as you keep the moon well out of your field of view. As the week progresses the moon becomes thinner and less of a problem until it disappears entirely into the morning twilight late in the period.