Author: Robert Lunsford

During this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Tuesday May 2nd. At this time the half illuminated moon is located 90 degrees east of the sun and sets near 0200 local summer time (LST) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will interfere with meteor observations during the evening hours but will have set by the time midnight arrives. This will allow good meteor viewing conditions for the remainder of the night.

During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Wednesday April 26th. At this time the moon is located near the sun and is not visible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will not interfere with meteor observations as long as you face away from the moon. The slender moon will rise only a couple of hours before the sun plus the moonlight is only a fraction as bright as it was last week.

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Wednesday April 19th. At this time the half illuminated moon is located 90 degrees west of the sun and rises near 0200 local summer time (LST) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waning gibbous moon will interfere with meteor observations as the bright moonlight will obscure all but the brighter meteors. As the week progresses the conditions improve with each passing night as the moon’s phase wanes and it rises approximately 45 minutes later with each passing night.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Monday April 10th. At this time the moon is located opposite the sun and remains above the horizon all night long. This is the worst time of the month to try an view meteor activity as the bright moon will obscure all but the brightest meteors. Late in the period the hours just after dusk are free of moonlight but rates at this time are normally very low.