Moon Phases for Booking

Moon Calendars                Moon Rise & Set             Understanding Moon Phases

The phase of the moon generally determines how dark the sky might be. If you are interested in viewing the Moon and the planets, a evening where there is a larger phase Moon would be better for you.

Kids love the Moon, because it is bright and easy to see.

Please try to avoid the nights surrounding Full Moon, because the moon floods the sky with light and it is not possible to see much else. Even the full moon itself is hard to view due to its tremendous brightness and the lack of shadows.

 

 

But if you are interested in viewing deep sky objects, such as star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, a night with a smaller phase Moon (or no moon at all) would be best. Bear in mind that we will observe in the early evening, so at any phase after Full, the moon will will rise later in the evening, which will allow for dark skies earlier.

So best times for darker skies at our observing sessions are about 3 days after Full Moon through First Quarter.

The Moon for the Next Three Months

This part is simple – pick the date for your observing session based on the phase of the moon.

• Decide if you’d prefer 1) viewing the moon and planets or 2) viewing deep sky objects and planets
• If you prefer 1) viewing the moon and the planets then look for dates with larger moon phases. Please avoid the nights around Full Moon.
• if you are interested in 2) viewing deep sky objects and planets then look for dates with smaller moon phases.
• Pick your date and then book!

 

Moon Calendars courtesy of MoonConnection.com.

Astronomical Times for KPO for the next 10 Days

Moon Phase Tutorial

Here’s a simple tutorial for understanding the Phases of the Moon: