Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Oct. 19 6:57 5:54

Sat., Oct. 20 6:59 5:53

Sun., Oct. 21 7:00 5:51

Mon., Oct. 22 7:01 5:50

Tues., Oct. 23 7:02 5:48

Wed., Oct. 24 7:03 5:47

Thurs., Oct. 25 7:04 5:46

Fri., Oct. 26 7:06 5:44

A gibbous moon will interfere with this weeks Orionid meteor shower. The best part of the shower is this weekend, after midnight. The moon’s brilliance will interfere, so only the brightest of meteors can be seen.

The meteors appear to radiate from the popular constellation Orion, hence its name, but they have nothing to do with the constellation. Orionid meteors are the remnants of Comet Halley which hasn’t been seen in this area in 20 years. Yet, the constellation’s trail of debris and ice particles continue to travel in the comet’s path.

Without the moon to interfere, an observer might see as many as 25 meteors in an hour. Observers won’t see that many this weekend.

Planets

The brightest planet in our evening sky now appears low in the southwestern sky after sunset. Jupiter is getting more and more difficult to spot as it gets closer to the horizon.

The red planet Mars appears low in the eastern sky a few hours after sunset.

Full Moon and High Tide

Look for extreme high and low tides in the week ahead. Next Friday night’s full Hunter’s moon is big and in perigee. A full moon in perigee is a prescription for extreme high and low tides.

Mariners should be weary about traveling in poorly charted shallow water.

M.A.L.