Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period, the moon waxes from being half illuminated to nearly full by the end of the period. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set during the early morning hours and will not interfere with meteor watching in the hours just prior to dawn when activity is most plentiful.

During this period, the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Friday December 30th. At that time the moon will lie 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight on that date. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will...

During this period, the moon reaches its new phase on Friday December 23rd. At that time the moon will lie near the sun and will be invisible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning...

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Friday December 16th. At that time the moon will lie 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise near midnight local standard time (LST). This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the late evening hours, allowing a short window of opportunity to view under dark sky conditions between moonrise and dusk.

During this period, the moon reaches its full phase on Thursday December 8th. At that time the moon will lie opposite the sun and will lie above the horizon all night long This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set during the early morning hours and will provide a short window of opportunity to view under dark sky conditions between moonset and dawn.