Author: Robert Lunsford

Meteor activity kicks into high gear in August as seen from the northern hemisphere. The main reason for all this activity is the Perseid shower that peak on August 13th. This shower is active most of the month and remains above...

During this period, the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Tuesday July 25th. At that time, the half-illuminated moon will set near midnight (on July 26th). This will allow the more active morning hours to be free of interfering moonlight. As the week progresses the gibbous moon will begin to encroach upon the early morning hours and will begin to interfere with meteor observations during that time. This weekend the viewing conditions will be favorable as the crescent moon will set during the evening hours and will not interfere with the more active morning hours.

During this period, the moon reaches its new phase on Monday July 17th. At that time, the moon will lie near the sun and will be invisible at night. As the week progresses the crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will be...

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Monday July 10th. At that time, the moon will lie 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise near 01:00 local summer time (LST). As the week progresses the crescent...

Meteor season finally gets going in July for the northern hemisphere. The first half of the month will be much like June with predominantly slow rates. After the 15th though, both sporadic and shower rates increase...