Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 3/8/2006

Question
Hello,
I am writing a children's book and my main character has a fascination with the moon and stars. There is a scene where the moon is full one night. Then a couple of days later the main character notes that the moon is "waning gibbous".
Is that acurate? Would the moon be waning gibbous following a full moon night? Also, is the constellation Pegasus visible without a telescope? If so, is it only visible during certain times of the year? If it is NOT visible without a telescope, what are a few constellations that one might see in an October or November sky?

Thanks for your help!
Susan

Answer
Yes.  After the Full Moon, the next "main" phase, 6 - 8 days later, would be Last Quarter.  But the time in between would be a "Waning Gibbous" Moon. This would occurr right after the Full Moon night.

All of the 88 constellations are visible without a telescope, and actually a telescope or binoculars would be so powerfull, that only some stars in constellations would be visible.  So the constellations are visible with the "naked-eye".

Pegasus is, generally speaking, a Fall constellation.  Visible late August through December.  Along with Pegasus, you might also see Andromeda, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Orion between October and November.  And the Big and Little Dippers, along with Cepheus, Cassiopeia, and Draco, are visible ALL year long.

Steve