Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period, the moon reaches its new phase on Tuesday February 1st. At that time the moon lies near the sun and is invisible at night. This weekend the thin crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours and will...

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Tuesday January 25th. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees west of the sun and rises near midnight. This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the early evening hours, spoiling the sky with intense moonlight for the remainder of the night.

During this period, the moon reaches its full phase on Tuesday January 18th. At that time the moon lies opposite the sun and remains above the horizon all night long. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set just prior to dawn, allowing only a small amount of time to view under moonless conditions before the break of dawn.

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...