texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for January 20 to 25.

The new moon for the month of January is on  Wednesday the 21st. Look for Venus and a crescent moon to make an attractive pairing on Saturday evening in the west-southwest.

Saturn is now well up in the east in the early evening hours. Jupiter rises at 9:15 this week.

Last week the Mars Rover Spirit rolled off its lander and has begun to explore Gusev Crater. You can follow the mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's website at www.jpl.nasa.gov. The second rover, Opportunity, is due to land on Saturday night to begin its exploration of the opposite side of Mars.

For more skywatching tips for the week check out stardate.org

Viewing on UT campus telescopes will resume next week. Viewing will be on Wednesday nights at Robert Lee Moore Hall's 16-inch reflecting telescope and Fridays and Saturdays at Painter Hall's 9-inch refracting telescope.

Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.