The Perseids are active from July 13th through August 26th. Maximum activity is predicted to occur on the morning of August 12th, when rates in excess of 1 per minute may be seen from dark sky sites. On the morning of maximum the waxing gibbous moon will set between midnight and 0100 local summer time as seen from mid-northern latitudes. This will free up the prime observing hours from interfering moonlight.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches its new phase on Tuesday August 2nd. At this time the moon will lie near the sun and will be invisible at night. This weekend the slender waning crescent moon will rise just before dawn and will not interfere with viewing meteor activity.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Tuesday July 26th. At this time the moon will lie 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 obscure all but the brighter meteors. Conditions for viewing the meteor activity improve with each passing night as the moon’s phase lessens and the moon rises later each morning.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches its full phase on Tuesday July 19th. At this time the moon will lie opposite the sun and will lie above the horizon all night long. With the bright lunar glare present most of the night this week, this will be the least favorable time to try and view meteor activity this month.
Read MoreDuring this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Monday July 11th. At this time the moon will lie 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight local summer time (LST) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. Toward the end of the period the waxing gibbous moon will be present in the sky most of the night, making meteor observing difficult as the lunar glare will obscure all but the brightest meteors.
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