Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Wednesday September 13th. At this time the half illuminated moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise near midnight local summer time (LST) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the late evening hours and will ruin the prime meteor viewing hours with its intense moonlight.

During this period the moon will reach its full phase on Wednesday September 6th. At this time the moon will be located opposite the sun and will be above the horizon all night long. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set during the early morning hours allowing a couple of hours of viewing in dark skies before the start of dawn.

During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Tuesday August 29th. At this time the half-illuminated moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight local summer time (LST) for observers located at mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set during the late evening hours allowing the more active morning hours to be free of interfering moonlight.

During this period the moon will reach its new phase on Monday August 21st. At this time the moon will be located near the sun and will be invisible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will not cause any problems for those viewing meteor activity.

During this period the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Tuesday August 15. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise near midnight local summer time (LST). This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the late evening hours and will illuminate the sky for the remainder of the night, reducing the number of meteors seen.