Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Tuesday May 11th. On this date the moon is located near the sun and is invisible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours but will not interfere with meteor observing as it will be too thin and only in the sky an hour or two prior to sunrise.

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Monday May 3rd. On this date the moon is located 90 degrees west of the sun and rises near 3:00 local summer time (LST). This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the early morning hours and will spoil any observing attempts once it has risen. As the moon reaches its last quarter phase, the glare will not be so bad and successful meteor observations can be conducted if you keep the moon out of your field of view.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Wednesday April 27th. On this date the moon is located opposite the sun and remains above the horizon all night long. During this entire period the moon remains above the horizon while the sky is dark, severely limiting the opportunity to view meteor activity.

During this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Tuesday April 20th. On this date the moon is located 90 degrees east of the sun and sets near 03:00 local summer time (LST). As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will encroach into the late morning sky, limiting the opportunity to view under dark skies.

During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Monday April 12th. On this date the moon is located near the sun and is invisible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will...