Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for March 21st through the 27th.
The full moon for the month of March is on Friday the 25th. This moon is called the Sap Moon, the Crow Moon, the Worm Moon and the Lenten Moon.
Jupiter rises around 7:30 p.m. this week, so it is now an easy object for early evening viewing. Saturn is high in the south around 8 p.m. this week. Jupiter will be below the moon on Friday the 25th and above the moon on the 26th. Observers in the southern Indian Ocean, on the southwestern tip of Australia and in Antarctica will actually see the moon occult Jupiter on Saturday.
Monday the 21st was the first full day of spring for the northern hemisphere here on earth, and coincidentally Tuesday the 22nd is the autumnal equinox on Mars. The two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity are still operating after a year on the red planet. To catch up with the missions, log on to marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov
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.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
