You can enjoy a nearly half-lit Moon this evening as today’s first-quarter phase gives your Sunday skywatch a clear focus. (Moon timetable; phase calendar)

• Evening Moon: Look south around 7:15 PM Eastern, after the 6:18 PM sunset. At our mid-Atlantic reference near Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Moon reaches its highest point at 7:19 PM. Choose a clear southern view, then follow it toward the southwest later in the evening (sunset timetable; Moon timetable).
• Orionids after moonset: If you stay awake into Monday, October 19, try a watch after 12:15 AM Eastern. The Moon sets at 12:05 AM, leaving it below the horizon for your late watch. Scan broadly overhead rather than only toward Orion; seeing a meteor still takes patience before the October 21 to 22 peak (Moon timetable; Orionids guide).

The Royal Observatory lists the Orionid maximum for October 21, just three days away. That makes tonight an early opportunity, not a promise of peak activity; keep expectations modest and give your eyes time away from bright lights (Royal Observatory; Orionids guide).

Moon note: First quarter today at 12:12 PM Eastern; moonrise is 2:38 PM today at our reference location (phase calendar; Moon timetable).

Enjoy a little time under the sky, and join the free NOOMMED newsletter for your next backyard outing.