Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for March 25th through the 31st.
The full moon for the month of March is on the 28th. This full moon is known as the Crow moon or the Sap moon. This is also the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Jupiter is pretty much straight overhead at twilight this week and Saturn is a little bit lower in the west, still near the star Aldebaran in Taurus. Venus is very bright and visible low in the west at sunset.
Comet Ikeya-Zhang is now visible to the naked eye in dark locations low in the west at sunset. You will need to find a place with an unobstructed view of the western horizon to get a view of this comet. Finder charts are available at www.spaceweather.com and stardate.org. Ikeya-Zhang is thought to be the reappearance of a comet which last passed close to the earth in 1661.
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 Dean Keeton (formerly 26th street) 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 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about half way between Speedway and Guadalupe.
Please note that star party times will be changing in a couple of weeks due to daylight saving time. Please call this recording to check times before planning a visit to the telescopes.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Observing events are weather permitting.
