Author: Robert Lunsford

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.

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Thursday July 1st. This weekend the nearly full moon will lie above the horizon most of the night, spoiling viewing conditions for meteor observers. As the week progresses, evening conditions improve as the moon rises later with each passing night. This allows a small window of opportunity to view under dark skies between dusk and moon rise.