Waxing Gibbous, Yo!

Back to the moon. It’s at quarter at the moment and rising around 10 am. That’s a waxing gibbous for you stargazers. It’s straight up in the sky around sunset (5:30 pm) which isn’t ideal if one wants the full moonlight experience. Not that the “full moonlight experience” happens with only 57% illumination, but later last night, at least, it was bright enough to cast a shadow.

The moon isn’t the only thing up there right now. Mars is up in the Western sky early in the evening and while it isn’t as bright as it was a week/two weeks ago, it’s up as a red ball for sure. 

Saturn and Venus are setting just after sunset and Venus looked like the star on a Christmas tree last night. Jupiter is making a showing as well. 

I mention the moon (again) because we are a week from a full moon and from about tomorrow through the 12th (full moon night), every night will be awesome for a moon float. It’ll be high in the sky and based on moonrise time and percent illumination, Feb 6-10 are ideal with the 11th and 12th also looking good. After that it rises so late at night or early in the morning that it doesn’t make sense. 

Wait! Bite your tongue! It always makes sense to go on the water!

That's the Moon!