Author: Robert Lunsford

January is best known for the Quadrantids, which have the potential of being the best shower of the year. Unfortunately, this shower is short lived and occurs during some of the worst weather in the northern hemisphere. Due to...

During this period, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Monday December 27th. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees west of the sun and rises near midnight local standard time (LST). As the week progresses the waning...

During this period, the moon reaches its full phase on Sunday December 19th. At that time the moon lies opposite the sun and is above the horizon all night long. As the week progresses the waning gibbous moon will rise approximately 45 minutes later each night, allowing a small window of opportunity to view under dark skies between dusk and moon rise.

During this period, the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Saturday December 11. At that time the moon lies 90 degrees east of the sun and sets near midnight local standard time. As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will set approximately 45 minutes later each night and by the end of the week it will be above the horizon all night long.

No matter where you live, the first half of December provides some of the best meteor activity of the year. In the northern hemisphere the sporadic rates are still strong plus you can also count on strong activity from the...