Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period, the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Sunday January 9th. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees east of the sun and sets between 23:00 and midnight (on January 9th). As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will encroach upon the morning sky, limiting the window of opportunity of viewing under moonless conditions with each passing night.

January is best known for the Quadrantids, which have the potential of being the best shower of the year. Unfortunately, this shower is short lived and occurs during some of the worst weather in the northern hemisphere. Due to...

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Monday December 27th. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees west of the sun and rises near midnight local standard time (LST). As the week progresses the waning...

During this period, the moon reaches its full phase on Sunday December 19th. At that time the moon lies opposite the sun and is above the horizon all night long. As the week progresses the waning gibbous moon will rise approximately 45 minutes later each night, allowing a small window of opportunity to view under dark skies between dusk and moon rise.

During this period, the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Saturday December 11. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees east of the sun and sets near midnight local standard time. As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will set approximately 45 minutes later each night and by the end of the week it will be above the horizon all night long.