Tonight the Moon is in its Last Quarter phase, shining at about 61% brightness. This is good news for stargazers. Since it's past full, it's getting darker each night, which means fainter stars and objects will become easier to spot. The darker your sky, the more you'll see, so head away from porch lights if you can.

Mark your calendar for mid-August when the Perseids meteor shower peaks around August 12, about 37 days away. This is one of the year's best meteor shows. When it arrives, find the darkest spot you can reach, lie back on a blanket, and let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes. You don't need binoculars or a telescope, just patience and a dark sky. The show will be worth the wait.