Tracking The Night Time Sky at Assateague Island

This table tracking moon data acts as an excellent predictor for night sky visibility. The key to reading it lies entirely in the [Illumination] column, which measures the percentage of the Moon's surface lit by the Sun.

Depending on whether that number is high or low, you can instantly tell what kind of night it will be:

🔭 Low Illumination (Less than 10%) = Perfect for Stargazing

When the illumination drops below 10% (highlighted in green on your sheet), it indicates a New Moon phase.

• Why it matters: The moon is virtually dark, meaning there is zero natural "sky glow" or light pollution bleeding into the atmosphere.

• The Result: The sky becomes pitch black, making it the absolute best time to observe deep-sky objects like distant stars, constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way.

🌕 High Illumination (Greater than 95%) = Perfect for Moon-Watching

When the illumination climbs above 95% (highlighted in grey on your sheet), it signifies a Full Moon phase.

• Why it matters: The moon is reflecting its maximum amount of sunlight back to Earth.

• The Result: While this washes out the faint light of distant stars, it provides a spectacular, brightly lit view of the moon itself. It is the ideal time to grab binoculars or a telescope to look at lunar craters, maria (the dark plains), and lunar topography.

Summary Checklist for Your Data:

• Green Rows (<10%): Pack your telescope for deep space and star tracking.

• Grey Rows (>95%): Look directly at the moon to appreciate its full, bright phase.

• White Rows (In-between): Transitional phases (Waxing/Waning) where the moon is great for viewing crater shadows along the "terminator" line (the line dividing light and dark on the moon).