texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatcher's Report for January 16th to the 21st.

The moon is at last quarter on the 16th.

Venus is at its greatest elongation east on Wednesday, which is the point when it is farthest from the sun in the evenings. Venus is the bright object in the west at sunset.

Jupiter and Saturn are high in the southeast at sundown. Jupiter can be seen between two open star clusters. Above the gas giant are the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, and below are the Hyades, which are arranged in the shape of a "V". Both planets and both clusters are in the constellation Taurus the bull.

Following Taurus is the well-known figure of Orion the Hunter. Following Orion is the constellation Canis Major, which contains Sirius, the Dog Star, which is the brightest star other than the sun visible from Earth.

The telescope at Robert Lee Moore hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. The building is located on the southeast corner of 26th and Speedway. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs to the telescope.

The telescope at Painter hall is open on Fridays for UT students, faculty and staff from 7 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 7 to 9 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about half way between Speedway and Guadalupe.

All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Observing events are weather permitting.