Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for February 24th to March 2nd.
The next new moon will be March 3rd. On its way towards new, the moon will appear alongside some early morning planets. On Monday the 24th, the moon was between Mars and it's stellar look-alike Antares. On the 25th, the moon will be below Mars in the eastern sky before dawn. In the mornings of the 26th and 27th the very slim remnants of the moon will appear in sky with the brilliant Venus. Saturn and Jupiter continue to shine brightly in the evening skies.
This weekend, the University of Texas will be hosting their annual Explore UT open house. Among the many displays and activities, the Astronomy Department will be giving people a look at the images through our solar telescope, with an alternate activity planned in case of cloudy weather. For more information on events and a schedule of activities, see the website at www.utexas.edu/events/exploreUT
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights starting at 7:00 p.m. RLM is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton and Speedway. Take the elevators 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 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 7:00 to 9:00 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. Please note that star party times change throughout the year. Please call this recording to check times and availability before planning a visit to the telescopes.
