texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for March 7th through the 13th.

The new moon for the month of March is in the early morning hours of Thursday the 10th.

Mercury is at its greatest elongation east on the 12th, meaning that it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the west at sunset. Look for it due west for about an hour after sunset. If you can't see it on the 12, it is still favorable for viewing with a clear view of the western horizon for several days before and after elongation.

Saturn is high in the south at around 9 p.m. this week and Jupiter rises at about 8:45 p.m.

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

The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday  nights from 7 to 9 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 Painter Hall telescope is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights  from 7 to 9 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe.

All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information, which is updated 30 to 60 minutes before viewing start time only on nights when star parties are cancelled.

There will be no public viewing on UT campus telescopes next week due to Spring Break.

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