Recognizing and understanding the cases of the moon is fundamental to lunar observing, and by understanding the moon's various stages of illumination, the observer will know when to look for certain features. In addition a clear understanding of our near neighbour's orbital motion will enable the observer to explain its unique movements across th sky as it revolves around the Earth.

Feature / Objective

Date of Observation

Time

A – Lunar Phases & Orbital Motion

R1: Observe the Lunar Phases

Waxing Crescent

Sept 7/16

8:00pm ADT

1st Quarter

Sept 16/18

8:20pm ADT

Waxing Gibbous

Aug 20/18

9:20pm ADT

Full Moon

Aug 6/17

9:06pm ADT

Waning Gibbous

Feb 4/18

12:08am AST

Last Quarter

Sept 2/18

10:00pm ADT

Waning Crescent

Sept 6/18

6:20pm ADT

R2: Earthshine

July 26-27/17

9:18pm ADT

R3: Orbital Motion

May 18 – May 28, 2018

Various times