Author: Robert Lunsford

Meteor Activity Outlook for 8-14 October 2016

During 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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Meteor Activity Outlook for 1-7 October 2016

During this period the moon reaches it new phase on Saturday October 1st. 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 during the evening hours, allowing a moon-free view of the more active morning hours.

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Meteor Activity Outlook for 24-30 September 2016

During this period the moon wanes from nearly half illuminated down to only a few percent by the end of the week. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours and will cause interference with viewing meteor activity. This can be overcome by observing areas of the sky free of lunar glare. By the end of the week the moon will not be a factor as it becomes slender and rises just before dawn.

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Meteor Activity Outlook for 10-16 September 2016

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Friday September 16th. This weekend the half-illuminated moon will set during the early morning hours, allowing the remainder of the night to be moon-free and dark for meteor viewing. This window of darkness will decrease as the week progresses until the bright moon remains above the horizon all night long.

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