texas

skywatchers report


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

The moon is at last quarter on Wednesday the 9th.

Although Austin will just be out of range, folks in the eastern parts of North America and almost all of Europe, Asia and Australia will get to see the historic transit of Venus across the disk of the sun on June 8th. The last time a Venus transit was visible was in 1882. Venus transits occur in pairs 8 years apart every 122 years. The transit of 1769 was famously observed by British explorer James Cook in the south Pacific aboard the ship Endeavour.

If you are in an area that cannot see the transit in person, many webcasts will cover the event. See www.spaceweather.com for a list of links.

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

Summer viewing on UT campus telescopes resumes this week. The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall will be open on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 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 Fridays from 9 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 11 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. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes.

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