Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for April 26th to May 2.
The moon is at first quarter on Tuesday the 27th of April. Look for Jupiter alongside the moon on Thursday night.
This weekend Venus will hit its greatest brilliancy for this evening apparition. A telescope or a good pair of binoculars will show Venus as a crescent, similar to the moon about 4 or 5 days past new.
Early morning skywatchers with a good view of the eastern horizon are in for a rare treat this week with two naked-eye comets to see - Bradfield and LINEAR. Both are about as bright as a fourth magnitude star and are about 10 degrees above the eastern horizon at about 5:45 a.m. LINEAR is close to due east and Bradfield is to the left and closer to northeast.
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 starting at 8:00 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 to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 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. Call 232-4265 for up-to-date cancellation information.
Please note that star party times change throughout the year. Please call this recording to check times before planning a visit to the telescopes.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
