During this period the moon reaches it’s first quarter phase on Monday November 7th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 2300 local standard time (LST). As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will enter the morning sky and will begin to interfere with observations during the morning hours.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches it’s new phase on Sunday October 30th. At this time the moon will be located near the sun and will not be visible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will set long before the more active morning hours arrive.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches it last quarter phase on Saturday October 22nd. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise between 2300 and midnight local summer time (LST). This weekend the moon will interfere with viewing the maximum of the Orionid meteor shower but circumstances are much better than viewing during a full moon. Simply make certain you view with the moon at your back so that the lunar glare does not impede your vision. As the week progresses the moon becomes less of a problem as the phase wanes and it rises later in the morning with each passing night.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches it full phase on Saturday October 15th. At this time the moon will be located opposite the sun and will be in the sky all night long. This is the worst time of the month in which to try and view meteor activity as the bright moon will obscure all but the brightest meteors. Toward the end of this period the early evening hours will be free of moonlight but meteor activity will be low at that time.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches it first quarter phase on Saturday October 8th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight local summer time (LST). This weekend is favorable for meteor observing as the more active morning hours will be free of interfering moonlight. As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will begin to interfere during the morning hours as it sets later and later with each passing night. Toward the end of this period the moon will remain above the horizon most of the night making meteor observing difficult as the lunar glare overpowers all but the brighter meteors
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