During this period the moon reaches it full phase on Saturday October 15th. At this time the moon will be located opposite the sun and will be in the sky all night long. This is the worst time of the month in which to try and view meteor activity as the bright moon will obscure all but the brightest meteors. Toward the end of this period the early evening hours will be free of moonlight but meteor activity will be low at that time.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches it first quarter phase on Saturday October 8th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight local summer time (LST). This weekend is favorable for meteor observing as the more active morning hours will be free of interfering moonlight. As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will begin to interfere during the morning hours as it sets later and later with each passing night. Toward the end of this period the moon will remain above the horizon most of the night making meteor observing difficult as the lunar glare overpowers all but the brighter meteors
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches it new phase on Saturday October 1st. At this time the moon will be located near the sun and will not be visible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will set during the evening hours, allowing a moon-free view of the more active morning hours.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon wanes from nearly half illuminated down to only a few percent by the end of the week. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours and will cause interference with viewing meteor activity. This can be overcome by observing areas of the sky free of lunar glare. By the end of the week the moon will not be a factor as it becomes slender and rises just before dawn.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Friday September 23rd. At that time the half illuminated moon will rise near midnight local summer time (LST). This weekend the nearly full moon will be in the sky...
Read More
