Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period the moon will reach its full phase on Saturday November 4. At this time the bright moon will be above the horizon all night long and will severely limit the amount of meteor activity to be seen. As the week progresses the evening hours become more favorable for viewing as the moon rises later in the night. Unfortunately the evening hours are usually slow with rates rarely surpassing 5 per hour. This is a good time to try an catch a bright Taurid meteor or perhaps a rare Andromedid!

During this period the moon will wax from half illuminated to nearly full by the end. Conditions will be favorable this weekend and early next week for viewing meteors in the hours before dawn. Late in the period the moon will become a problem as it is nearing its full phase and will remain is the sky most of the night. The bright moonlight will obscure all but the brighter meteors.

During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Friday October 27th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight local summer time (LST) for observers viewing from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set shortly after dusk and will not interfere with meteor observing the remainder of the night.