texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for April 16th to the 22nd.

With the moon at last quarter late in the evening on Sunday of last week, and the new moon occurring early in the day of Monday the 23rd, the moon will be a waning crescent all week.

The Lyrid meteor shower is due to peak on the night of the 21st into the morning of the 22nd. The shower appears to come from the constellation Lyra, which is in a good place for observing by 10:30 p.m., and there is little or no moonlight to interfere this year. The Lyrids typically produce 15-20 meteors an hour.

One of the largest solar flares ever recorded occurred over the weekend. This particular flare erupted on the limb of the sun, so any effects from the flare will be moderate here on earth. To follow the activity of the sun on a daily basis, log on to www.spaceweather.com

The telescope at Robert Lee Moore hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights at 8:30 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 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 8:30 to 10:30 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.