Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period the moon will reach its new phase on Saturday August 11th. At that time the moon will lie near the sun in the sky and will be invisible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will not cause much interference for meteor observers, especially during the more active morning hours.

During this period the moon will wane from it’s nearly full phase down to almost half-illuminated. This weekend the moon will rise shortly after dusk and will rise approximately 45 minutes later each night. Although meteor activity is strong this time of year the bright moon will obscure all but the brighter meteors.

During this period the moon will reach it’s first quarter phase on Thursday July 19th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set around 0100 local summer time (LST). This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set during the early evening hours and will not interfere with meteor viewing.

During this period the moon will reach it’s new phase on Thursday July 12th. At that time the moon will be located near the sun and will be invisible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early hours and will not interfere too much with viewing meteor activity as long as you keep it out of your field of view.

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